KGOTHATSO CHIRWA
Summary
Emerging Researcher with an MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and over four years of experience in higher education and laboratory management. Led undergraduate teaching support and laboratory coordination while contributing to multidisciplinary research. Published first author in a peer-reviewed journal, with strong skills in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and scientific writing. Passionate about teaching, mentoring students, and contributing to research excellence and innovation in higher education.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
MSc. STUDENT
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
02.2021 - 12.2023
- Conducted research on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel medicinal compounds.
- Synthesised and purified drug candidates using modern organic synthesis techniques.
- Characterised compounds using NMR, HPLC, FTIR, and GC-MS.
- Analysed experimental data and presented research findings to multidisciplinary research teams.
- Published first-author research article in the international peer-reviewed journal ChemMedChem.
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
Potchefstroom
07.2022 - 12.2022
- Provided technical and academic support to lecturers, researchers, and undergraduate students.
- Prepared laboratories for undergraduate practical sessions.
- Calibrated, maintained, and troubleshot laboratory equipment.
- Managed laboratory inventory, documentation, and chemical supplies.
- Ensured compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
- Supported departmental teaching and research activities.
LABORATORY ASSISTANT
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
Potchefstroom
02.2019 - 06.2022
- Assisted lecturers during undergraduate laboratory practical sessions.
- Demonstrated laboratory techniques to students.
- Assessed and marked practical reports and laboratory exercises.
- Prepared laboratory equipment and chemicals.
- Maintained laboratory safety standards and managed chemical waste disposal.
- Performed laboratory administration and departmental duties.
Education
MSc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
2024
BSc. (Hons) in Biochemistry
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
2021
BSc. in Physiology and Biochemistry
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
2019
Skills
- Teaching and Facilitation
- Student Engagement
- Leadership
- Communication
- Team Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Organisation and Planning
- Adaptability
- Time Management
- Independent Research
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Laboratory Management
- Equipment Calibration
- Scientific Report Writing
- Scientific Data Analysis
- Research Documentation
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Laboratory Information Management
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
- Occupational Health and Safety Compliance
REFERENCES
Prof. Richard M. Beteck
Professor | Research Supervisor
Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen)
North-West University
Email: Richard.Beteck@nwu.ac.za
Phone: 018 299 2249
Prof. Lesetja J. Legoabe
Director
School of Pharmacy (Pharmacen Department)
North-West University
Email: Lesetja.Legoabe@nwu.ac.za
Phone: 018 299 2182
Ms. Lynette van der Walt
Senior Laboratory Technician
School of Chemistry
North-West University
Email: Lynette.VanDerWalt@nwu.ac.za
Phone: 018 299 2350
PUBLICATIONS
Chirwa, K. A., Francisco, K. R., Dube, P. S., Park, H., Legoabe, L. J., Teixeira, T. R., Caffrey, C. R., & Beteck, R. M. (2024). Tractable Quinolone Hydrazides Exhibiting Sub-Micromolar and Broad Spectrum Antitrypanosomal Activities. ChemMedChem, 19(9), e202300667. https://doi.org/10.1002/cmdc.202300667
Timeline
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
07.2022 - 12.2022
MSc. STUDENT
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
02.2021 - 12.2023
LABORATORY ASSISTANT
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
02.2019 - 06.2022
MSc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
BSc. (Hons) in Biochemistry
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY
BSc. in Physiology and Biochemistry
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY