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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.
RIEP presents mathematics training programme for education students
2007-10-30
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The Research Institute for Education Planning (RIEP) at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently trained 19 Foundation Phase students from the UFS School of Education in the Family Math programme. Family Math is a programme in which teachers, children (preschool up to Grade 9) and their parents are exposed to the basic principles of mathematics. The aim of the training is to develop literacy levels in mathematics by using fun activities, concrete resources and generally available and less expensive material found in and around the house. Over and above the contact sessions, each student had to arrange two community workshops in order to qualify as a Family Math facilitator. The students' training was made possible by a sponsorship from Old Mutual. During the certificate ceremony were, from the left: Franzel Steyn (student), Mr Johann Faber (representative from Old Mutual), me. Elizna Prinsloo (RIEP), Prof. Jack van der Linde (Director of RIEP), Lorraine Botha (RIEP), and Olga de Ascensao (student).
Photo: Supplied
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