Charmaine ARDERNE
Associate Professor
Summary
Accomplished Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg with extensive experience in online course design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic publishing. Robust background in advanced research, teaching, and educational leadership. Specializes in developing innovative curricula and fostering student engagement through interactive learning methods. Demonstrated expertise in supervising PhD and Masters students, securing research grants, and integrating technology into teaching methods. Proven track record in mentoring junior faculty members, publication in high-impact journals, and leading international research collaborations. Adept at using digital learning platforms and maintaining high standards of scholarly research through peer review. Brings a wealth of knowledge in mentoring students and contributing to academic committees for institutional growth.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Associate Professor
University of Johannesburg
10.2020 - Current
- Company Overview: University of Johannesburg is a leading institution in South Africa, known for its innovative teaching and research.
- Contributed to developing online learning modules, expanding access to education, and accommodating diverse learning styles
- Developed and maintained course websites, giving students easy access to lecture materials, reading lists, and discussion forums
- Continued supervision of PhD and Masters students, guiding their research and thesis writing to successful completion
- Delivered presentations at conferences showcasing research findings
- Acted as external examiner for other universities, upholding academic standards and contributing to academic community
- Integrated technology in teaching methods, utilizing online platforms to supplement traditional classroom instruction
- Conducted individual and collaborative research projects to produce and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals
- Mentored junior faculty members, aiding in their professional development and integration into academic community
- Taught lectures and seminars in X-ray Crystallography
- Participated in faculty meetings, contributing to policy development and strategic planning
- Collaborated with colleagues across disciplines on research projects, broadening project scope and impact of findings
- Led and coordinated Chemistry research activities, planning all aspects, including data collection plans, scope of work, and goals
- Served as peer reviewer for esteemed academic journals, upholding high standards of scholarly research
- Participated in international research collaborations, enhancing global reputation and contributing to cross-cultural academic dialogue
- University of Johannesburg is a leading institution in South Africa, known for its innovative teaching and research.
Senior Lecturer
University of Johannesburg
12.2011 - 09.2020
- Company Overview: University of Johannesburg is a leading institution in South Africa, known for its innovative teaching and research.
- Supervised and mentored postgraduate students, guiding their research projects towards successful completion and publication
- Selected innovative teaching methods to deliver course content
- Secured funding through grants for research projects, ensuring resources for groundbreaking studies and departmental growth
- Engaged in ongoing professional development, attending workshops and conferences to stay abreast of pedagogical advancements
- University of Johannesburg is a leading institution in South Africa, known for its innovative teaching and research.
Lecturer
University of Johannesburg
09.2008 - 11.2011
- Company Overview: University of Johannesburg is a leading institution in South Africa, known for its innovative teaching and research.
- Prepared polished lectures discussing course-specific topics and broader related issues
- Encouraged students to ask challenging questions and thoroughly examine subject material
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations, and class activities to deliver curriculum
- Sought ways to improve performance by reflecting on teaching design, obtaining feedback, and incorporating findings into content delivery
- University of Johannesburg is a leading institution in South Africa, known for its innovative teaching and research.
Senior Technical Assistant
University of Johannesburg
08.2005 - 08.2008
- Company Overview: University of Johannesburg is a leading institution in South Africa, known for its innovative teaching and research.
- Developed ongoing practical laboratory programs using good team communication and collaboration
- Troubleshoot problems and diagnose laboratory systems to ensure the effective running of laboratory sessions
- Implemented more efficient processes and reduced wasted resources
- Trained undergraduate students in Chemistry laboratory practices
- University of Johannesburg is a leading institution in South Africa, known for its innovative teaching and research.
Quality Assurance and Laboratory Manager
Energy Oil (Pty) Ltd
06.2000 - 09.2004
- Company Overview: Energy Oil (Pty) Ltd is a company specializing in laboratory services and quality assurance in the oil industry.
- Functioned as direct, customer-facing, and single point of contact for laboratory personnel
- Facilitated weekly meetings and daily huddles, providing continuous coaching and constructive feedback to improve service
- Acted as primary liaison between research laboratories and external stakeholders, including research partners and funding bodies
- Spearheaded adoption of new laboratory technologies, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in research processes
- Performed bench work to maintain proficiency and competency in technical operations
- Coordinated and assigned routine responsibilities to subordinates to complete daily job tasks successfully
- Kept up to date with advances in food testing to fulfill evolving test requirements
- Reviewed and updated laboratory procedures and documentation, ensuring alignment with current scientific standards and practices
- Maintained stringent quality control measures, surpassing regulatory compliance standards and achieving accreditation benchmarks
- Mentored staff to enable professional development and progression
- Applied all applicable OSHA and local safety requirements to all assigned work to avoid injury and illness
- Energy Oil (Pty) Ltd is a company specializing in laboratory services and quality assurance in the oil industry.
Analytical Chemist
Plascon Paints (Pty) Ltd
05.1998 - 05.2000
- Company Overview: Plascon Paints (Pty) Ltd is a leading paint manufacturer in South Africa, known for its quality products and innovative solutions.
- Implemented Gas Chromatography GC techniques for analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds
- Utilized High-Performance Liquid Chromatography HPLC for separation, identification, and quantification of compounds
- Tested different chemical substances to assess conformance, safety, and compliance with standardized techniques
- Kept lab equipment in excellent working order by conducting regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs
- Implemented standards and specifications for processes, tests, and products to comply with procedures and guidelines
- Performed routine calibration and maintenance of analytical instruments to guarantee accurate results
- Completed laboratory work in full compliance with health and safety guidelines
- Conducted in-depth analysis of chemical compounds to determine characteristics and develop new formulations
- Interacted with other departments and appropriate stakeholders to discuss product formulation analysis results
- Performed risk assessments for laboratory procedures to maintain safe working environments
- Collaborated with quality assurance teams to address and rectify quality issues in good time
- Used techniques in chromatography, spectrophotometry, and spectroscopy to carry out experiments
- Prepared wide ranges of written communications, documents, and reports
- Demonstrated consistent hard work and dedication to achieve results and improve operations
- Plascon Paints (Pty) Ltd is a leading paint manufacturer in South Africa, known for its quality products and innovative solutions.
Lecturer
Mangosuthu Technikon
01.1994 - 04.1998
- Company Overview: Mangosuthu Technikon is a higher education institution in South Africa, focusing on technology and applied sciences.
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations, and class activities
- Coordinated safe and successful laboratory experiments designed to test theories proposed in classes
- Prepared and adapted teaching materials, including handouts, booklets, and assessment papers, to foster and support learning progress
- Designed, planned, and taught lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams
- Mangosuthu Technikon is a higher education institution in South Africa, focusing on technology and applied sciences.
Education
Philosophia Doctor (PhD) - Chemistry
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa10-2011
Master of Science - Applied Chemistry
University of Natal
Durban 04.2001 - 04.1994
Bachelor of Science Honors (BSc (Hons)) - Chemistry
University of Natal
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Chemistry and Applied Chemistry
University of Natal
Matriculation/High School Certificate - High School Certificate
Pinetown Girls High School
Pinetown, Kwa-Zulu NatalSkills
Analytical reasoning
Strong ethical decision-making
Proficient in academic publishing tools
Effective written communication
Support for student researchers
Creation of educational digital content
Experienced with MS Office applications
Digital learning platforms
Research expertise
Faculty communication
Lesson planning
Teaching excellence
Accomplishments
- Faculty of Science Teaching Excellence Award - 2015
- International Figure Skating Judge (1990 - 2004)
- Visiting Professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 08/2024 to 11/2024 (teaching small molecule crystallography and carrying out research in the SCXRD laboratory)
Interests
Reading
Beekeeping
Outdoors (hiking, walking, running)
Personal Information
- ID Number: 6902060029080
- Citizenship: South African
- Date of Birth: 02/06/69
- Driving License: RSA Code EB
- USA Mobile number: +1 (617) 388 7230
Hobbies & Interests
Reading, beekeeping, fitness and health
Additional Information
- Dr Peter Mueller, Department of Chemistry X-Ray Diffraction Facility, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Building 2, Room 325, Cambridge, MA, 02139, +1-617-253-1884, +1-978-886-3480, pmueller@mit.edu
- Prof Alfred Muller, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, +27-11-5592359, +27-66-2797163, mullera@uj.ac.za
- Dr Elize Smit, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, +27-11-5592558, +27-76-2823911, esmit@uj.ac.za
- Prof Manuel Fernandes, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, +27-11-7176751, +27-83-6468739, Manuel.Fernandes@wits.ac.za
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsPaid sick leaveAffiliations
- Member of American Chemical Society
- Member of American Crystallographic Association
- Member of Royal Society of Chemistry
- Member of the South African Chemical Institute
Quote
To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.
Albert Einstein
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
German
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Associate Professor
University of Johannesburg
10.2020 - Current
Senior Lecturer
University of Johannesburg
12.2011 - 09.2020
Lecturer
University of Johannesburg
09.2008 - 11.2011
Senior Technical Assistant
University of Johannesburg
08.2005 - 08.2008
Master of Science - Applied Chemistry
University of Natal
04.2001 - 04.1994
Quality Assurance and Laboratory Manager
Energy Oil (Pty) Ltd
06.2000 - 09.2004
Analytical Chemist
Plascon Paints (Pty) Ltd
05.1998 - 05.2000
Lecturer
Mangosuthu Technikon
01.1994 - 04.1998
Bachelor of Science Honors (BSc (Hons)) - Chemistry
University of Natal
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Chemistry and Applied Chemistry
University of Natal
Matriculation/High School Certificate - High School Certificate
Pinetown Girls High School
Philosophia Doctor (PhD) - Chemistry
University of Johannesburg