Asandiswa Mfenguza
Johannesburg,South Africa
Summary
Highly motivated Chemistry professional and computational chemistry PhD student with strong experience in laboratory work, analytical chemistry, and materials science research. Specializes in perovskite solar cells, DFT/QM simulations, and water treatment technologies. Known for strong analytical thinking, reliability, and commitment to scientific excellence.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
4052
4052
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Part-Time Laboratory Assistant
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
2021.05 - 2025.10
- Assisted with laboratory experiments and demonstrations in analytical and general chemistry
- Prepared chemical solutions, standards, and reagents
- Operated and maintained laboratory instruments and equipment
- Ensured compliance with laboratory safety standards
- Supported students and researchers with experimental procedures
Education
PhD in Chemistry - Computational Chemistry
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South AfricaMaster of Science in Chemistry - SWcience
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South AfricaBachelor of Technology - Analytical Chemistry
Walter Sisulu University
South AfricaDiploma - Analytical Chemistry
Walter Sisulu University
South AfricaSkills
- Computational & Software Skills - DFT/QM specialist - VASP - Materials Studio - First-principles calculations - Band structure and electronic property analysis - K-point generation and eigenvalue sorting
- Laboratory Skills - Wet chemistry techniques - Water treatment and desalination experiments - Sample preparation and analysis - Laboratory safety and quality control
- Data & Research Skills - Scientific writing and reporting - Literature review and critical analysis - Research design and methodology
Soft Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent time management and organization
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Independent and collaborative researcher
- Adaptable and resilient
Accomplishments
- Completed a Master’s research project on desalination and water treatment
- Conducting PhD research on improving perovskite solar cell efficiency using computational methods
- Delivered academic seminars on perovskite solar cell optimization using first-principles techniques
Research Interests
- Perovskite solar cells (2D/3D heterostructures)
- DFT/QM simulations and computational materials science
- Lead-free and tin-based perovskite materials
- 2D carbon-based materials and conductive polymers
- Water treatment and desalination technologies
Publications
- Mfenguza, A.; Tshwenya, L.; Sipuka, D. S.; Nkwachukwu, O. V.; Sikhwivhilu, K. K.; Marken, F.; Arotiba, O. A. Rectified Ion Transport with Low-Cost Ionic Diodes Based on Sulfonated Poly-(Phenylene-Oxide). Electroanalysis, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.12033
- Developed a low-cost polymer membrane ionic diode with strong ionic rectification, demonstrating potential for water treatment and sensor applications. Characterized using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, SEM, zeta potential, and contact angle measurements.
References
- N., Mabuba, Supervisor, nmabuba@uj.ac.za, 0115596158, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- N.W., Waxakato, Supervisor, nmaxakato@uj.ac.za, 0115596151, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- K., Govender, Supervisor, krishnag@uj.ac.za, 0838484866, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Languages
English (Fluent)
isiXhosa (Fluent)
Timeline
Part-Time Laboratory Assistant
University of Johannesburg
2021.05 - 2025.10
Bachelor of Technology - Analytical Chemistry
Walter Sisulu University
Diploma - Analytical Chemistry
Walter Sisulu University
PhD in Chemistry - Computational Chemistry
University of Johannesburg
Master of Science in Chemistry - SWcience
University of Johannesburg