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27 January 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Thabang Mokoena
Assistant Deans Qwaqwa
Dr Calvin Mudzingiri, Prof Cias Tsotetsi & Prof Jared McDonald.

In a remarkable feat of academic excellence, the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) celebrates a series of significant achievements by its esteemed academics. These accomplishments highlight the exceptional talent and dedication within the campus community.

Dr Calvin Mudzingiri, Assistant Dean: Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, has achieved a significant milestone with the attainment of a C2 NRF rating. This prestigious recognition acknowledges his outstanding research contributions and solidifies his position as a leading scholar in his field. Dr Mudzingiri is also highly regarded for his teaching and mentoring skills. He is known for his engaging lectures, his ability to connect with students, and his dedication to their academic success.

 

Prof Aliza le Roux's groundbreaking achievement

Prof Le Roux, Assistant Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as a full professor on the Qwaqwa Campus. Prof Le Roux is also a respected leader and mentor, known for her guidance and support of students and colleagues. This groundbreaking achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring female academics and further strengthens the university's commitment to gender equality. Prof Le Roux is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong track record of publications in her field.

 

From Assistant Dean: Faculty of Education to Vice-Principal

Prof Cias Tsotetsi's promotion from Assistant Dean: Faculty of Education to Vice-Principal is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to the university's mission. His expertise and guidance will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Qwaqwa Campus. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, having served as Assistant Dean: Faculty of Education.

 

Double success for Prof McDonald

Prof Jared McDonald, Assistant Dean: The Humanities, has also achieved a remarkable double success. He was promoted to a higher academic rank – from doctor to associate professor – while simultaneously securing a C2 NRF rating. This accomplishment highlights his commitment to both teaching and research excellence.

These achievements by the assistant deans on the Qwaqwa Campus exemplify the high calibre of academics within the institution. Their dedication to research, teaching, and leadership serves as an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. The Qwaqwa Campus is proud to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of these exceptional individuals.

In acknowledgment of exceptional academic prowess, the Campus Principal, Prof Prince Ngobeni, remarked, “In academia, it is not every day that we witness a blend of exceptional leadership, unyielding commitment, and a deep-rooted passion for education. I extend my sincere gratitude to our esteemed assistant deans for their unwavering commitment. The calibre of our faculties with their inquisitive minds, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and dedication to nurturing future researchers, truly defines the excellence of our university. Your contributions to both the university and the advancement of knowledge are deeply valued. Thank you for your invaluable effort,” concluded Prof Ngobeni.

News Archive

Dr Chantel Swart the ‘Expert on Stage’
2013-06-04

 

Presents Extraordinary Findings at International Nanomedicine Conference.
Photo: Sonia Small
04 June 2013

Dr Chantel Swart, an alumnus of the Prestige Scholars Programme (PSP) from the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, is an invited “Expert on Stage” at the 4th International Nanomedicine Conference to be held in Sydney, Australia from 1 – 3 July 2013.

She is to share the podium with world authorities in nanomedicine.

Dr Swart’s presentation, “A New Nanotechnology for Nanomedicine”, will convey findings that made international headlines. She is part of the nanotechnology group of Prof Lodewyk Kock that discovered gas bubbles inside cells when using Auger-architectomics, a nanotechnology they developed in 2010. This nanotechnology is used to track nanomedicine inside cancer cells in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic in the US.

The Kock Nanotechnology Group includes scholars from the departments of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, Physics, Chemistry, the Centre for Microscopy (all from the UFS) and South African Breweries. Their breakthrough is also showcased on the cover of all issues of 2013 FEMS Yeast Research, a leading journal in yeast research. BiotecVisions and Global Medical Discovery (GMD) both selected this work for worldwide promotion at the end of 2012.

Dr Swart’s future research will use this newly-developed nanotechnology to visualize and hence explore the exposed nano-world. This will include work on the architecture of cells and effects of various drugs on cell metabolism.

A virtual tour is available at: http://vimeo.com/user6296337/videos.

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