Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
AWARDS, CONFERENCES, AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
POSTGRADUATE STUDENT SUPERVISION
Timeline
Generic
Fulufhelo H. Mudau

Fulufhelo H. Mudau

Postdoctoral research fellow
Roodepoort

Summary

Dynamic postdoctoral research fellow and chemist specializing in membrane science, wastewater treatment, water reuse technologies, and nanomaterials-based separation processes. Extensive experience in developing hollow fiber membranes, implementing surface modifications, and mitigating fouling, complemented by a robust publication record in high-impact international journals. Proven track record in supervising postgraduate students and teaching undergraduate chemistry, with a strong focus on translating fundamental research into practical, decentralized water treatment solutions. Committed to advancing innovative approaches that address critical challenges in water management and sustainability.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Postdoctoral Fellow

University of South Africa
05.2024 - Current

E-Tutor (Teaching)

University of South Africa
02.2017 - 12.2023

Lab Demonstrator and Tutor (Teaching)

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
02.2015 - 12.2015

Lab Demonstrator and Tutor (Teaching)

University of Limpopo
02.2012 - 12.2014

Sewage Plant Operator Trainee

Thohoyandou Sewage Plant
04.2011 - 07.2011

Trainee Project Administrator

Vendzulu Development Agency
11.2010 - 03.2011

Student Lab Demonstrator (Technical)

University of Venda
01.2009 - 12.2009

Education

PhD - Chemistry

University of South Africa
10-2023

MSc - Chemistry

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
05-2016

BSc Honours - Chemistry

University of Limpopo
05-2013

BSc - Chemistry and Applied Chemistry

University of Venda
05-2010

Senior Certificate - undefined

Tshikevha Christian School
01.2004

Skills

Experimental design

Specific research projects

Teaching experience

Written and oral communication

Manuscript preparation

Scientific presentations

Affiliations

The South African Chemical Institute (SACI) Post-Doctoral membership no: 12108

AWARDS, CONFERENCES, AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Exchange student to University of Sao Paulo’s Innovation hub, Brazil, November 2017, Participant in the 18th Waternet/ WARFSA/GWPSA Conference, Namibia, 2017, Exchange student to Cranfield University’s Water Research department, United Kingdom, (April – September 2018), Innovation challenge winner, University of South Africa Research week, 2017, FamelabSA University of South Africa Regional Heat Winner 2017, Best Pitch presentation, 6th Annual Gauteng Nanoscience Young Researchers’ Symposium (NYRS 2016), Second place, Mintek., Best postgraduate student paper, Second place, Research Day award 2014 (University of Limpopo), Best Student in First Year Undergraduate Chemistry (University of Venda) 2007

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS

Participant in the Learner’s Research Summit by the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa (2024 and 2025), Participant in the AU-AIP Water Investment Summit, South Africa, 2025, Participant in the Nelson Mandela Day to rehabilitate the Florida Lake Water (2025), Participant at Seabe Career Fair (2025)

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

  • Mudau, F., Motsa, M., Hassard, F., De Kock, L. (2022). Resin-loaded heterogeneous polyethersulfone ion exchange membranes for saline groundwater treatment. Membranes, 12, 736.
  • Mudau, F., Motsa, M., Hassard, F., De Kock, L. (2023). Multifunctional heterogeneous ion exchange membranes for ion and microbe removal in low-salinity water. Polymers, 15(4), 1–25.
  • Mahlangu, O.T., Mudau, F.H., Motsa, M.M., Mamba, B.B. (2025). Influence of polyethersulfone–metal oxide nanoparticle affinity interactions in preventing nanoparticle leaching during harsh chemical cleaning. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13, 1–14.
  • Mudau, F.H., Phiri, Z., Motsa, M.M., De Kock, L.-A. (2025). Exploring the evolution of hollow fibre membrane applications in wastewater treatment. Desalination and Water Treatment, 323, 101367.
  • Mudau, F.H., Mahlangu, O.T., Makwakwa, D.H., De Kock, L.-A., Motsa, M.M. (2025). Post-treatment effects on polyethyleneimine/poly(sodium styrene sulfonate)-silver modified ultrafiltration membranes for slaughterhouse wastewater reuse. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(6), 119638.
  • Mudau, F.H., Mahlangu, O.T., De Kock, L.-A., Motsa, M.M. (2026). Poly(methacrylic acid)/starch incorporated low-pressure polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes for slaughterhouse wastewater treatment intended for reuse. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 23(3), 1–26.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

  • University of South Africa (2017–2022)
  • CHE1501, CHE1502: General Chemistry 1A & 1B
  • Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (2015)
  • Introduction to General Chemistry
  • General Chemistry 1A & 1B
  • Inorganic Chemistry II
  • Organic Chemistry II
  • University of Limpopo (2012–2014)
  • Introduction to Chemical Terminology

POSTGRADUATE STUDENT SUPERVISION

  • Ms Fulufhelo Fridha Madula, MSc student, University of South Africa (April 2025- Present). Title: Exploring low-pressure hollow fibre membrane modules as point-of-use devices for stored water treatment (In progress).
  • Ms Ndamulelo Nancy Phosha, PhD student, University of South Africa (February 2026 – Present). Title: Dual-layer hollow fibre nanofiltration membranes for effective removal of organics in landfill leachate (In progress).

Timeline

Postdoctoral Fellow

University of South Africa
05.2024 - Current

E-Tutor (Teaching)

University of South Africa
02.2017 - 12.2023

Lab Demonstrator and Tutor (Teaching)

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
02.2015 - 12.2015

Lab Demonstrator and Tutor (Teaching)

University of Limpopo
02.2012 - 12.2014

Sewage Plant Operator Trainee

Thohoyandou Sewage Plant
04.2011 - 07.2011

Trainee Project Administrator

Vendzulu Development Agency
11.2010 - 03.2011

Student Lab Demonstrator (Technical)

University of Venda
01.2009 - 12.2009

Senior Certificate - undefined

Tshikevha Christian School

PhD - Chemistry

University of South Africa

MSc - Chemistry

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

BSc Honours - Chemistry

University of Limpopo

BSc - Chemistry and Applied Chemistry

University of Venda
Fulufhelo H. MudauPostdoctoral research fellow