Makobe Mosa THABA
MSc Chemical Engineering Candidate
Speke Street Observatory Cape Town,Western Cape
Summary
I am a passionate, dedicated, and hard-working postgraduate student. Considering myself as a person who loves challenges and solving complex problem, solving both real-life situations and academic-related subjects. I do love interacting with people and gaining more insight knowledge in other aspects of life.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Supervisor
University Of Cape Town
Cape Town
08.2024 - 10.2024
- Guide intern’s research to ensure it aligns with lab’s broader objectives. This includes leading intern in development of experimental plan focused on key areas like algal cultivation, biofuel production, and biomass analysis.
- Work closely with intern to outline research plan that includes methods for cultivating algae, optimizing growth conditions, harvesting, and extracting bio-products (e.g., biofuels). Ensure plan addresses key project goals and sustainability.
- Act as central supervisor for intern, providing continuous support, technical advice, and academic feedback. Offer regular check-ins and ensure open communication to address intern's needs and project requirements.
- Provide hands-on guidance and practical training in key algal biotechnology techniques, such as: Microalgal culturing (including growth medium preparation and inoculation).
Growth optimization (monitoring environmental factors like light, temperature, and nutrients).
Harvesting methods (centrifugation, filtration).
Bioproduct extraction (lipid or pigment extraction for biofuel production). - Support intern in mastering important analytical methods required for project, including: Spectrophotometry for measuring algal growth and biomass.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for analyzing pigments and carbohydrates profile.
Gas Chromatography Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (GC-FAME) analysis for lipid profiling in algae used for biofuel production. - Progress Monitoring & Feedback: Maintain close oversight of the intern's research progress, regularly reviewing their experimental results and providing detailed, constructive feedback. Help them troubleshoot any challenges that arise during the experimentation process, ensuring scientific rigor and the meeting of project milestones.
Co-Supervisor
University Of Cape Town
Cape Town
08.2024 - 10.2024
- Provide mentorship to the intern in all aspects of the algal biotechnology project, including experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
- Offer assistance with troubleshooting technical issues in the project, including optimizing algae growth conditions, nutrient uptake studies, and biomass analysis.
- Coordinate with the primary supervisor to ensure the intern receives well-rounded support and feedback.
Teaching Assistant
University Of Cape Town
Cape Town
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, laboratory practicals and reviewing work.
- Worked with lecture to optimize learning plans based on student test grades and evaluations.
Laboratory Assistant
University of Venda
Venda
02.2022 - 11.2022
- Ensure that all necessary laboratory materials, including chemicals, glassware, and other consumables, are ready before the lab session begins. Set up equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, autoclaves, and spectrophotometers, following established protocols to ensure everything is functional and properly calibrated.
- Set up experiments according to pre-defined protocols, ensuring that the equipment and materials are arranged correctly for smooth operation during the session.
- Offer real-time guidance to students during lab sessions, ensuring they are following the correct experimental procedures, including proper pipetting techniques, sample preparation, and data recording. Demonstrate laboratory techniques and explain the methodology behind each experiment to help students understand the underlying scientific concepts.
- Enforce strict adherence to lab safety guidelines, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safe handling of chemicals, and waste disposal.
- Conduct safety briefings before starting each lab session to remind students of critical safety practices and emergency procedure.
- Assist with the cleaning, maintenance, and calibration of lab equipment after experiments to ensure it remains in good working condition for future use.
- Assist in evaluating and marking students’ lab reports, assessing their experimental accuracy, data interpretation, and overall understanding of the scientific principles involved.
Education
Master of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa 08.2023 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology And Biochemistry
University of Venda
Limpopo, South Africa 01.2019 - 12.2022
Skills
Reference
Dr Nodumo Zulu
Research Officer
University of Cape Town
Phone : 0766882768
Email: nodumo.zulu@uct.ac.za
Dr Alta Van Zyl
Senior Biotechnology Lecturer
University of Cape Town
Phone : 0724318211
Email : alta.vanzyl@uct.ac.za
Dr Shonisani Cathrine Tshidino
Biochemistry Lecturer
Universisity of Venda
Phone : 0676632806
Email : Shonisani.Tshidino@univen.ac.za
Timeline
Supervisor
University Of Cape Town
08.2024 - 10.2024
Co-Supervisor
University Of Cape Town
08.2024 - 10.2024
Master of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of Cape Town
08.2023 - Current
Teaching Assistant
University Of Cape Town
07.2023 - 07.2024
Laboratory Assistant
University of Venda
02.2022 - 11.2022
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology And Biochemistry
University of Venda
01.2019 - 12.2022
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