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14 June 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Suplied
Jeremiah Hlahla
Jeremiah Hlahla, a UFS student completing his PhD in Botany at the University of Debrecen as part of an exchange initiative funded by the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme.

As part of an exchange initiative facilitated by the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme, Jeremiah Hlahla, a student at the University of the Free State (UFS), is nearing the completion of his PhD studies at the University of Debrecen in Hungary. Hlahla’s  journey, which began in February 2024 and is set to conclude in July 2024, has been a remarkable learning opportunity. “As a first time-traveller to Europe, I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with people from different countries and cultures,” he said.

The benefits of international collaboration

Hlahla is currently pursuing a PhD in Botany, focusing on plant stress physiology. “My current PhD project investigates the physiological, biochemical and morphological responses of vegetable-type soybean, or edamame, to combined drought and heat stress,’’ he explained. He considers the University of Debrecen the ideal institution to complete his research due to its extensive expertise and resources in similar projects. He noted that his colleagues at Debrecen conduct significant work on plant protection against biotic and abiotic stresses, including salt and drought stress, as well as proteins and amino acids in barley and other legumes.

Given the vast knowledge available on similar projects, Hlahla has found substantial engagement with his work at the University of Debrecen. “Upon arrival, I delivered an introductory lecture presenting my UFS project on the synergistic effects of combined drought and heat stress on the physiology and biochemistry of edamame. It was an engaging session as everyone could relate to my work and asked many questions,’’ he said.

Insights gained from the exchange

Hlahla has also gained valuable lessons that will assist him in his research career, including biotechnology and physiology tools. “I learned how to prepare samples and use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) to quantify proteins and amino acids,’’ he said. These techniques are beneficial not only for his current work but will also support future soybean research.   

As his experience at the University of Debrecen nears its end, Hlahla reflects on the collaborations and friendships he has formed, which stand out as a significant highlight.

News Archive

Vista students complete new B.Sc. programme
2007-06-18

 

Students from the University of the Free State's (UFS) Vista Campus that enrolled in the four-year B.Sc. programme in 2003 at the former Vista University received their degrees during the recent autumn graduation ceremony. The students obtained their degrees within the minimum prescribed time of four years as indicated by the model developed at the Vista University. After the incorporation of the Vista University into the UFS, the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences was the first faculty to implement the new model. Later on a similar model was also introduced in the faculties of the Humanities, Law and Economic and Management Sciences. The model enables academically underdeveloped students to access the sciences and have their potential developed in a foundation year added to the customary three-year B.Sc. programme. Pictured here with the students are Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk (Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences) and next to him is Mrs Sheila Vrahimis (Lecturer in Concepts of General Science at the UFS). All the graduates are former students of Ms Vrahimis.
Photo: Supplied

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