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14 June 2024
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Suplied
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.
Colleges build community through Academic School Projects
2016-06-13
The South College leadership visited CommTech Secondary School as part of their academic
community engagement project. From left is Alexanne Ridge, Wilmie van der Wal, Edith Le Roux,
Tuli Molebalwa, Jean-Claude Naude, Mbali Skosana and Lerato Bale.
Photo: Eddie de Wet.
Residence Life at the University of the Free State (UFS), in collaboration with the Community Engagement office, decided to pilot a School Project within colleges for 2016.
The aim of the project is to invest in, and have impact on, not only schools and the learning environment, but also the volunteering spirit of college members. The project triggers critical and reflective thinking as well as the creativity aspect of development to contribute ultimately to our social responsibilities.
Each college will visit a school throughout the year, to serve its academic needs, and to foster relationships in the broader community. Recently, North College visited Bainsvlei High School in Bloemfontein to share information and success stories about academic life as a Kovsie student. At CommTech Secondary School in the city, South College delivered sponsored tables and chairs to improve the overall learning environment.
North College consists of Madelief, Tswelopele, Vergeet-My-Nie, Veritas, and Welwitschia residences while South College includes Armentum, Emily Hobhouse, Marjolein, Kestell, NJ van der Merwe, and Villa Bravado.
“It is a great opportunity for college members to interact with the community, and it serves as motivation for the learners. The learners were very enthusiastic about our visit, and I trust that the South College students will motivate them to complete their high-school career and join us at UFS”, said Wilmie van der Wal, College Coordinator.
The projects will continue during the second semester with the different colleges. Everyone can look forward to significant life-changing stories. A quote by Archbishop Desmond Tutu serves as motivation in this regard: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world”.