DUT CONDUIT August 2024

volume 24 no. 2
Fostering International Collaboration in Chemical Engineering
Page 3
the university newspaper
August 2024
Fine Arts Academic Recognised by international Research Network
Page 4
Upholding Research Ethics at DUT
Page 6
Professor Megandhren Govender Thinking Beyond the Cosmos Page 7
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Making a Mark in
Chemical Engineering
Vukani Langa
Ms Tasmiyah Ismail’s academic excellence stems from a simple yet powerful desire to make a difference in the global community. This has been the catalyst for her journey, guiding her innovations and serving as the driving force behind her implementation. Currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at DUT, she represents the embodiment
of the institution’s Living Values and Principles that aim to produce innovative, unique, competitive, and adaptive graduates.
“I am driven by a deep-rooted commitment to considering both environmental and community impacts, ensuring that my endeavours contribute positively to the world around me,” said Ismail.
She and her research team (Rafael Tembe Junior, Shongile Chauke, and Emerald Reddy) earned the number one spot at the recent Wetskills Challenge Awards at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
The Challenge involved an intensive two-week programme for students and young professionals with a passion for water from around the world. The teams were tasked to find innovative solutions to water challenges globally.
“When the winner was announced, I jumped with joy. Winning was emotional and exciting, since it involved a lot of hard work and many late nights. It has finally paid off,” said Ismail.
The team’s project, ISITHUNZI-San aims to eradicate pit toilets and provide dignified sanitation facilities.
Ismail observed that, “South Africa is a water-scarce nation and water harvesting techniques can be used to collect rainwater and extract water from the air.” The team also considered user safety and used recycled materials as a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials.
Ismail was the recipient of departmental awards in Engineering Fundamentals and Design throughout her undergraduate studies. She also received an award for her Chemical Engineering Project for her Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours degree.
As a member of the Green Engineering Research Group, she participated in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) Research Day in 2022 and 2023 and tutors undergraduate students in Design and Process Fluid Flow. She also served as a panellist at the PreRun Pitching for the P4G Summit 2023.
This year, Ismail presented a paper on Treating Acid Mine Drainage at the Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration. She was invited to share her insights at the WISA 2024 Biennial Conference and Exhibition as part of the Wetskills initiative.
Beyond academia, Ismail is the Founder of Pop-Up Balloons, a home business venture based in Durban. “This venture emerged during the challenges of COVID-19, serving as a creative outlet and testament to the importance of maintaining a balanced life alongside academic pursuits.”
She thanked Dr Innocentia Mkhize, Deputy Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and her current supervisor and mentor, for being instrumental in her academic success.
“She has been a tremendous inspiration for me. Through her guidance and support, I have come to understand that my postgraduate studies will transform my ideas into a study that can be implemented, making a meaningful difference in communities through my research.”
Ismail also acknowledged Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Acting Executive Dean of the FEBE, and Professor Lukhanyo Mekuto of the University of Johannesburg, both of whom have been pivotal in her academic journey.
Pictured: Tasmiyah Ismail.