Gadifele Nicolene Mekgwe
Curriculum Vitae
Dobsonville
Summary
Dynamic individual with superior communication skills and a strong background in research and analysis. I am deeply committed to continuous learning and personal growth hence I actively participate in professional development workshops to continuously enhance teaching skills and be aware f the current industry trends. Proven ability to enhance student engagement and critical thinking through innovative teaching strategies. Experienced in project supervision and technical report writing, fostering academic growth and success in diverse learning environments. In my research journey from B-Tech project until PhD, I have worked with various powder metallurgy techniques, including mechanical alloying, uniaxial pressing, and sintering. I have also used techniques such as XRD and SEM to characterize the microstructure and properties of my samples. These techniques have allowed me to develop novel materials with improved properties.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Lecturer
University of Johannesburg
05.2024 - Current
- Effectively provide academic support and lecture/teach undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects in Engineering Metallurgy at the Department.
- Prepare and upload notes on the university portal.
- Conduct research in the field of Metallurgy.
- Perform assigned departmental duties such as admin and marketing as a member of the marketing committee for the department.
- Boost students critical thinking skills through active learning strategies and problem-solving activities.
- Develop strong rapport with students through clear communication, empathy, and genuine interest in their academic growth.
- Manage a diverse classroom effectively by addressing individual needs and fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere.
- Provide constructive and timely feedback to students to advise on areas of concern and suggest improvements.
- Disperse, collect and grade assignments to give detailed feedback.
- Develop and implement innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
Tutor
University of Johannesburg
02.2018 - 12.2023
- Provided assistance using specific curriculum and materials for Physical metallurgy, Welding Technology, Mechanical Metallurgy, Powder Metallurgy, Research Methodology and Research Project modules.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Collaborated with students to complete assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
- Effectively invigilated and provided tutorial classes to students.
- Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important learning skills.
- Enhanced students' understanding of subject matter by incorporating real-world examples into lessons.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills.
Research Assistant
University of Johannesburg: Centre for Nano-Engineering and Advanced Materials (CeNAM)
01.2017 - 12.2023
- Assisted undergraduate and postgraduate with sample preparation, characterization and analysis of their experimental work.
- Conducted training on various lab equipment (mounting, cutting, grinding machine, powder processing machines (milling and mixing of powders), Vickers hardness tester optical microscopy, potentiostats, tribometers
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Trained and supervised both undergraduates and postgraduate research students.
Graduate Student Metallurgist
Chrome Tech Holdings
07.2015 - 01.2016
- Perform sampling - daily plant samples to determine the concentrates and gangue from the received feed.
- Plant optimization to ensure proper process flow (spirals, cyclones, thickeners).
- Consistently met project deadlines through effective time management strategies and prioritization of tasks according to urgency levels.
- Conducted failure analysis investigations to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions, preventing future incidents.
- Streamlined laboratory procedures by implementing modern analytical equipment, enhancing precision and accuracy in results reporting.
- Report writing and presentation of the acquired results from the lab analysis.
Student Metallurgist: Experintial Learning
Prima Industrial Holdings
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Perform analysis of composition and elemental testing using spark spectrometer.
- Laboratory test work - Sampling, hardness tests, observing the steel specifications and optimization.
- Evaluating and improving heat treatment methods for various steels being produced.
- Monitoring furnace operations and steel making processes.
- Perform metallurgical investigations on defects to improve the quality of the product.
- Perform quality control and assurance on the produced steels and issue certificates for the product before dispatching to the customers.
Education
Ph.D. - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg 04.2001 -
Master of Technology (M-Tech) - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Technology - Metallurgical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria 04.2001 -
National Diploma - Metallurgical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Superior verbal and written communication skills
Teaching and learning
Technical report writing
Computer literate - sound knowledge of MSWord, Power Point, Excel, Origin and other internet packaging products
Mentoring students
Research and analysis
Project supervision
Student engagement
Personal interests
Non-Profit Organization: Boiteko Youth Chamber (132-160)
https://www.boitekoyouthchamber.co.za
References
Prof. Nheta
Line manager (Metallurgy department HoD)
wnheta@uj.ac.za 0115596173
Prof. Olubambi P.A
Btech, Mtech, PhD project supervisor, University of Johannesburg
polubambi@uj.ac.za +2711 559 6817
Mr. Elvis Gonya
Mechanical metallurgy lecturer (UJ), University of Johannesburg
elvisg@uj.ac.za +2711 559 9085
Dr. Ramakokovhu M.
Lecturer, Tshwane University of Technology
ramakokovhum@tut.ac.za +2782 624 2331
Timeline
Assistant Lecturer
University of Johannesburg
05.2024 - Current
Tutor
University of Johannesburg
02.2018 - 12.2023
Research Assistant
University of Johannesburg: Centre for Nano-Engineering and Advanced Materials (CeNAM)
01.2017 - 12.2023
Graduate Student Metallurgist
Chrome Tech Holdings
07.2015 - 01.2016
Student Metallurgist: Experintial Learning
Prima Industrial Holdings
01.2012 - 12.2012
Ph.D. - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
04.2001 -
Master of Technology (M-Tech) - Metallurgical Engineering
University of Johannesburg
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Technology - Metallurgical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
04.2001 -
National Diploma - Metallurgical Engineering
Tshwane University of Technology
04.2001 -