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From curiosity to contribution: A PhD journey in Plant Stress Biology

08 April 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios

Sellwane Moloi — Sellwane Jeanette Moloi celebrates graduating with a PhD in plant stress biology, contributing vital research toward global food security through drought-tolerant wheat studies.

Embarking on a PhD is a transformative journey, one filled with intellectual challenges, personal growth, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to one's field. For Sellwane Jeanette Moloi – who has graduated with her PhD on Friday 4 April during the afternoon session – the path was illuminated by a deep fascination with plants and a determination to address the critical issue of global food security.

A spark of curiosity

"The initial spark came from a deep curiosity about plants," Moloi shared. "I was intrigued by how plants function and the key mechanisms that help them survive when exposed to various environmental stress factors. Learning different techniques used to study and analyse plant responses to environmental factors made me even more intrigued." This curiosity fuelled a rigorous exploration into plant stress biology, focusing on how wheat thrives under drought conditions.

Navigating the challenges

Reflecting on the experience, however, the PhD journey was not without its hurdles. "One of the most challenging aspects was staying motivated and managing pressure," Moloi confessed. "Setbacks and slow progress can also be overwhelming." Overcoming these obstacles required a strategic approach: "I had to break down larger tasks into manageable tasks and also seek support from my supervisors."

Doubts inevitably arose, especially when experiments did not go as planned. "There were moments when I asked myself what I had actually gotten myself into," she admitted. However, the unwavering support of supervisors, colleagues, friends, and family provided the necessary reassurance. "They always assured me things would work out; I needed to hang in there."

Key discoveries and achievements

Amid the challenges, significant discoveries were made. Notably, Moloi found that a drought-tolerant wheat variety suppressed photosynthesis as a potential strategy to avert oxidative stress damage, maintaining cell membrane integrity during stressful conditions. This unexpected turn stressed the complexity of plant survival mechanisms.

Moloi’s dedication and hard work culminated in significant achievements, including winning the best PhD poster in plant physiology at the 46th South Africa Association of Botanists Conference in 2020, 3rd Prize at the University of Johannesburg Postgraduate Symposium in 2023 and publishing two research articles in high-impact journals. These accomplishments are a testament to her research prowess and contribution to the field.

Developing essential skills

Beyond the research itself, the PhD journey fostered critical skills vital for future success. ‘Critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving’ were highlighted as key takeaways. "As a PhD student, your mind is constantly engaged in critically analysing results and providing logical reasoning. I believe these skills are valuable in tackling certain situations and providing solutions to problems."

Balancing life and research

Balancing research with other aspects of life proved challenging. "That was challenging, but I created a schedule that worked for me," the graduand explained. "This included dedicating certain days (weekends or holidays) or hours to specific tasks, such as lab work or writing. One thing I would advise a PhD student is that they should make time to rest to avoid burnout."

Contribution to food security

Moloi's research holds significant implications for global food security, a pressing issue in the face of climate change and a growing population. "I hope my research will provide insight into how wheat as a cereal crop thrives under drought stress conditions, and the information can be used by plant breeding initiatives in developing more drought-tolerant crops," she stated. "The opportunity to contribute to the field of plant stress biology – my research focuses on understanding plant response mechanisms under drought, and acquiring such information can address issues related to global food security."

Advice for future PhD candidates

For students embarking on their PhD journey, Moloi offered valuable advice: "This degree requires one to be highly motivated and ask for help whenever there are setbacks. There will always be setbacks in research; you need to go back to the drawing board and look for solutions." She also emphasised the importance of seeking support for mental and emotional well-being. "It is okay to feel overwhelmed; the work can be too much at times. Students need to ask for help. We have professionals on campus who can assist with mental or emotional issues."

Furthermore, Moloi shared personal lessons: "Time management and prioritising important tasks. I also learned that it is important to allow yourself to rest. This degree can affect your mental or emotional health." And a candid reflection: "I did not have much of a social life, and I spent most of my time in the lab."

Looking ahead

With a PhD in hand, Moloi aspires to become an expert in her field, collaborating with other researchers and mentoring future students. Her journey exemplifies the dedication, resilience, and intellectual curiosity required to excel in academia and contribute to addressing pressing global challenges.

The university provided essential support throughout her studies, ensuring access to facilities even during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I always had access to the facilities on campus to do my research, even during the COVID-19 pandemic."

Celebrating milestones along the way was crucial, with fellow postgraduates sharing in each other's achievements. "My fellow postgraduates and I often went out for lunch to celebrate everyone's achievements." And the support system was extensive: "Everyone – family, supervisors, friends, and colleagues.”

News Archive

New multi-purpose residences open in January 2015

2014-06-18

The UFS is currently busy with exciting new accommodation developments on both the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses.

This includes a new residence with a hotel and a conference/lecture hall on the western part of the Bloemfontein Campus and the building of another residence on the Qwaqwa Campus.

“We have done what was possible in our quest to maximise the number of beds available in the older residences on the Bloemfontein Campus,” says Quintin Koetaan, Senior Director: Housing and Residence Affairs at the UFS. “This we achieved by converting underutilised and unutilised dining halls and kitchens into bedrooms, which was totally insufficient to address the dire need for beds.”

“The new residence building will have different types of accommodation. I am very excited and look forward to the completion of this project. And this particular residence also brings a very exciting architectural design to the university environment.”

The residence, with multiple blocks for different accommodation, will be wheelchair friendly and numbering and signage will also be in braille. This futuristic-designed building will stand the test of time and will be provide student accommodation until 2030.The R60 million project is funded by the UFS and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

In step with international university accommodation trends – as with Yale's residential college system – this residence will house female first-years who will be mentored by postgraduate students. Postgraduates will be headhunted with the support of the Student Representative Council’s (SRC) postgraduate committee. These postgraduate students will represent all the faculties. Block A and B will accommodate 184 female first-years.

Each floor in this residence will have a study room, two lounges, a kitchen and a laundry for 25 students. Security will be very tight, with three levels of security: entrance to residence, corridor and individual bedroom door. There will also be perimeter camera surveillance and a security officer outside and inside the residence.

Block C will accommodate postgraduate students. The ground floor will house eight single-bed roomed flats. The first floor will have 16 single rooms sharing a bathroom, kitchen and living room, as well as one double room with its own bathroom. The second floor will have 21 single rooms sharing a bathroom, kitchen and living room.

Block D will house 18 hotel-like en suites, with a dining room where breakfast will be served. The target market here will be visiting academics and other university-affiliated visitors. Prices will be competitive to those of local guesthouses and hotels.

Bookings have already opened. Guests will be able to book in and access the hotel desk 24/7. The dining room, accommodating up to 60 people, will not only be open for hotel guests, but also for postgraduate students and UFS staff. Bookings will therefore be essential.

The expansion of bed spaces also took place at the Qwaqwa Campus. In 2012 a 200-bed residence with a state of the art computer room was completed. As a follow-up to this development, another 248-bed residence is now being built. In this particular residence, there will be designated post-graduate accommodation for 48 students.

The project will be handed over at the end of October 2014, with the first intake planned for January 2015.

Another development at the Qwaqwa Campus is the Chancellor’s House Bed & Breakfast. This B&B, with its 5 en suite rooms, is open for business for all UFS staff.

For enquiries or bookings at this new accommodation facility, contact:

- Undergraduate (first-year ladies’ residence):
Monica Naidoo at +27(0)51 401 3455 or NaidooM@ufs.ac.za

- Postgraduate:
Hein Badenhorst at +27(0)51 401 2602 or BadenH@ufs.ac.za

- Hotel:
Ilze Nikolova at +27(0)51 401 9689 or NikolovaI@ufs.ac.za

- Chancellor’s House Bed & Breakfast on Qwaqwa Campus:
Olga Molaudzi at +27(0)58 718 5030 or molaudziOD@qwa.ufs.ac.za

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