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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

Conference: Expanded ARV treatment

2005-03-02

VENUE: University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
DATE: 30 March 2005 - 1 April 2005

ARV Programme as on 24Feb Download Word document
Programme Special events Download Word document

Official web site www.fshealth.gov.za/subsites/arvc

Rationale for the Conference
At the time of the planned Conference, much ground would have been covered, both in the Free State and in South Africa, in respect of the expanded public sector ARV treatment programme in respect of research, experiences in practice, training of staff, treatment of patients, lessons learned, successes and failures, etc. The time would then be quite opportune to share these in a systematic manner with other provinces and countries, as well as with the large variety of stakeholders and role players in the ARV and related domains, be they academics and researchers, policy makers and service/facility managers, the variety of caregivers, and the community organisations and affected patients.

The Conference and current research
The proposed Conference is, firstly, directly linked to the current research on the public sector roll-out of ARV treatment in the Free State conducted by several research institutions (e.g. CIET, CHSR&D, UCT Lung Institute). Secondly, the Conference could and would serve as a forum for other research groups in the country and further a field to report and share knowledge and experiences on ARV treatment and related initiatives. Lastly, the Conference will stage a golden opportunity for researchers and scientists, on the one hand, and policy makers, managers, and caregivers (as knowledge users), on the other hand, to engage in cross-disciplinary discourse on this mutual and topical theme.

Theme of Conference
Expanded ARV treatment in the Free State: sharing experiences

Focus
The focus is primarily on public sector ARV treatment in the Free State, but also initiatives/activities/perspectives of relevance to the Free State elsewhere in the country at large and further a field, as well as relevant ARV initiatives in the public, private, NGO and FBO sectors. Bear in mind, however, that ARV treatment is but part of a much more comprehensive approach to HIV and AIDS. The Conference will, therefore, not narrowly focus on the ARV treatment programme only. The broader context, other relevant dimensions, and a comprehensive approach to the challenges of HIV, AIDS and TB are of equal importance.

The purpose of the Conference
Enhance meaningful exchange, mutual understanding and collaboration among researchers, scientists, policy makers, managers and practitioners in the field of ARV treatment and related fields.

Share experiences in the various spheres of ARV treatment and related spheres (policy, management, practice, research, training, public-private-civil society sectors).

Record, reflect and report on the establishment of the ARV treatment programme in the Free State, and in within the context of the comprehensive HIV/AIDS programme.

Disseminate important research results on ARV treatment and related themes to health policy makers, managers, practitioners, communities and to the research community.

Stimulate discourse among various disciplines and various stakeholders/role players involved in ARV treatment and related programmes.

Sensitise and acquaint researchers to the requirements of policy makers, managers and practitioners in respect of ARV treatment and related fields.

Facilitate the implementation of research results in ARV treatment policy, programmes and practice.

Dissemination of Conference-related information
Information generated during the Conference could feed into policy, management and practice of ARV treatment, the training accompanying such programme, and the existing body of knowledge. After the Conference the information will be disseminated via the Internet and by scientific and popular publications.

Date and duration
Set for 30 & 31 March & 1 April 2005; to commence at 09:00 on the first day (30 March) and to end at 16:30 (1 April) the third day.

Format and scope of Conference
Alternating plenary, parallel sessions and debates focused on topical issues and interest groups. The Conference will strive to be maximally interactive and participative.

Themes and topics to cover:

Policy, management and health services/practice (various levels and contexts – clinical treatment, information, IT systems, pharmacy, laboratories, nutrition)
Research covering all relevant disciplines and diverse dimensions of ARV treatment and related themes
Training and evaluation of training
Patients, communities and civil society organisations
Public, private, NGO, FBO initiatives and partnerships

Emphasis will be on the Free State, however, with of significant involvement from other provinces, SADC countries, and countries further a field. The thrust will be to export lessons and experiences from the Free State, but also to import lessons and experiences from other provinces, countries and sectors.

Presenters
Key presenters from the Free State, other provinces, South Africa, from the private, FBO and NGO sectors, and from several other countries

Delegates
About half of the delegates will be Free State stakeholders and role players (all levels and all contexts). The other half will be role players and stakeholders in the ARV and related fields from other provinces, the national level, and other countries, as well as from the private, public and non-governmental sectors.

Focused workshops
Provision will be made for half-a-day or one-day workshop initiatives on the third day (1 April 2005).

Enquiries
For more information please contact:

Prof Dingie van Rensburg
Centre for Health Systems Research & Development
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloenfontein
SOUTH AFRICA
9300

Contact:
Carin van Vuuren
Conference Organiser
Centre for Health Systems Research & Development
University of the Free State
P.O.Box 339
Bloemfontein
South Africa
9300
Tel +27 (0) 51 401 2181
Fax +27 (0) 51 4480370
Cell 0832932890
e-mail: arvconference.hum@mail.uovs.ac.za

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