Mapula Razwinani
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Pretoria,GP
Summary
A biomedical postdoctoral researcher and Women in Science awardee, who has an extensive experience and achievements in phytomedicine, tissue and cell culture, molecular biology, biochemistry and related disciplines. A co-founder and director of a Global Health Biotech company that offers innovative solutions for musculoskeletal injuries. A prolific author and presenter with a high citation record and an h-index of 5. A skilled and experienced leader and collaborator in various aspects of biotechnology. A motivated and visionary professional.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Durban University Of Technology
03.2021 - Current
- Secured grant funding for further research projects by submitting well-crafted proposals and demonstrating solid preliminary results.
- Maintained detailed records of experimental procedures and results, facilitating reproducibility and future investigations.
- Fostered an inclusive working environment within the lab group by promoting open communication and mutual respect among team members.
- Mentored junior researchers and graduate students, fostering their growth as independent scientists.
- Presented research findings at international conferences, increasing visibility within the scientific community.
- Applied advanced statistical methods to analyze complex datasets, revealing novel insights into studied phenomena.
- Established productive collaborations with external partners, expanding the scope and impact of research efforts.
- Reviewed manuscripts submitted to scientific journals, providing constructive feedback to improve overall quality and rigor.
- Developed new methodologies for data analysis, streamlining processes and improving accuracy.
- Managed laboratory resources efficiently, ensuring optimal use of time and materials for successful project completion.
- Participated actively in lab meetings, sharing valuable insights that contributed to ongoing projects'' progress.
- Optimized existing protocols for increased efficiency, saving time while maintaining data integrity.
- Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams, resulting in innovative approaches to solve complex problems.
- Addressed challenges proactively by identifying potential issues in experimental design and proposing innovative solutions.
Part-time Managing Director
Global Health Biotech (PTY)
02.2019 - Current
- Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve company-wide growth objectives, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Implemented robust financial controls and reporting systems, ensuring accurate forecasting and budget management.
- Expanded market presence through successful negotiation of key partnerships and acquisitions.
- Established a high-performing executive team, recruiting top talent from diverse industries to drive organizational excellence.
- Increased overall company performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
- Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
PART-TIME LECTURER
Tshwane University Of Technology
02.2015 - 11.2020
- Provided individualized support for struggling learners, using tutoring sessions and additional resources to close achievement gaps.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methodologies and techniques.
- Promoted collaboration among students through group projects and presentations, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
- Managed large class sizes effectively, maintaining an orderly learning environment conducive to student success.
- Teaching, preparing lecture notes, marking tests and exam papers for Chemical pathology, medical microbiology, veterinary microbiology, Biochemistry, microbiology in patient care and Pathophysiology
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centred learning. Using variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate the learning process and accentuate presentations
- Designing practical manual and preparation of experiments, quality control of the laboratory, managing laboratory inventory database and instrument calibrations, procurement of equipment and consumable materials
- Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.
POSTGRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT
Tshwane University Of Technology
02.2011 - 11.2014
- Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions for struggling students, leading to increased understanding and improved grades.
- Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, tracking progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Contributed to the development of new curriculum materials, enhancing the quality of instruction within the department.
- Improved overall class participation by implementing group activities and project-based learning.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Served as a mentor to new teaching assistants, providing guidance on effective strategies for classroom management and instruction.
- Offered constructive feedback on student assignments, helping them refine their writing skills and comprehension.
- Evaluating student essays, projects, labs, tests, and other assessments. Maintaining records on student progress/grades
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Presented wide range of information to students using hands-on instructional techniques for effective comprehension.
Outbound Sales Call Center Agent
African Bank
10.2010 - 12.2010
- Strengthened internal communication processes, enabling quicker resolutions of customer issues between departments.
- Identified new opportunities for upselling by staying informed of the latest industry trends and product offerings.
- Contributed valuable feedback regarding sales techniques for management consideration during strategy development sessions.
- Streamlined the sales process by utilizing CRM software efficiently to track leads, follow-ups, and customer interactions.
- Implemented targeted cold-calling strategies that led to an increase in qualified leads generated per day.
- Improved team performance by sharing successful sales strategies in regular meetings and training sessions.
Science Educator
Esibusisweni Combined School
05.2009 - 02.2010
- Implemented various teaching methods, resulting in increased student engagement and motivation.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and provided constructive feedback, promoting continuous improvement.
- Promoted a growth mindset in the classroom by celebrating student progress and encouraging resilience in the face of challenges.
- Designed creative lesson plans that highlighted the relevance of science in everyday life, inspiring curiosity among students.
- Teaching grades 10,11 and 12 physical science and grade 8-9 natural science
- Collaborated with fellow educators to develop interdisciplinary projects, fostering a comprehensive learning environment.
- Established a positive classroom atmosphere that fostered respect and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds.
- Mentored students on critical thinking and problem-solving techniques, elevating their analytical skills.
- Developed assessment rubrics aligned with curriculum standards to accurately measure student progress and mastery of concepts.
- Planned, prepared, and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support.
Assistant Research Officer
University Of Venda
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Collaborated with external partners on joint research initiatives, expanding our network of resources and expertise available for future projects.
- Improved the accuracy of research findings by conducting thorough literature reviews and data verification.
- Preparing interview questions and summarizing results
- Developed a robust data management system, ensuring the safe storage and easy retrieval of critical information for future analyses.
- Managed participant recruitment efforts, achieving target sample sizes for multiple studies within specified timeframes.
- Enhanced research efficiency by streamlining data collection and analysis processes.
- Exceeded research goals through diligent work ethic and proactive problem-solving skills, leading to the successful completion of multiple high-profile projects.
- Collaborated with leadership team to identify relevant questions and determine best methods of collection.
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT TUTOR
University Of Venda
02.2004 - 11.2005
- Collaborated with fellow tutors to develop effective strategies for addressing diverse student needs and abilities.
- Provided constructive feedback on assignments, helping students improve their writing and problem-solving skills.
- Managed scheduling and logistics for group tutoring sessions, accommodating the diverse needs of participating students and their families.
- Utilized various assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adjust instruction accordingly for optimal results.
- Maintained detailed records of student progress, using data to inform future instruction and target areas for improvement.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through engaging activities and consistent reinforcement of complex concepts.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
Education
Ph.D. - Biomedical Technologiae
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria, SouthAfrica 04.2001 -
Master of Science - Biomedical Technologiae
Tshwane University of Technolody
Pretoria, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science Honours - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology
University of Venda
Thohoyandou, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Microbiology
University of Venda
Thohoyandou, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Statistical modeling
Grant Writing
Research protocols
Interdisciplinary Coordination
Quantitative Research
Documentation requirements
Experimental design
Interdisciplinary Research
Research Support
Scientific Writing
Research Methodologies
Project Management
Computational skills
Project Coordination
Innovation and Creativity
Research procedures
Laboratory techniques
Qualitative Research
Experimental Work Plans
Scientific Presentations
Ethics in Research
Quantitative Analysis
Hypothesis testing
Written Communication
Effective Communication
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with the team of La-Bio research in the development of Evaluating bone regeneration in a rabbit ulna defect model during continuous intake of Pleurostylia Capensis extract.
- Collaborated with the team of La-Bio research in the development of Biological evaluation of medical devices by investigating local effects and systemic toxicity.
- Supervised team of 5 Postgraduate students
- Recipient of the Outstanding Female post-doctoral Fellow under the Gold Category, Durban University of Technology (DUT), 2023
- Recipient of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science South African National Programme Award, 2023
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Durban University Of Technology
03.2021 - Current
Part-time Managing Director
Global Health Biotech (PTY)
02.2019 - Current
PART-TIME LECTURER
Tshwane University Of Technology
02.2015 - 11.2020
POSTGRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT
Tshwane University Of Technology
02.2011 - 11.2014
Outbound Sales Call Center Agent
African Bank
10.2010 - 12.2010
Science Educator
Esibusisweni Combined School
05.2009 - 02.2010
Assistant Research Officer
University Of Venda
01.2007 - 01.2009
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT TUTOR
University Of Venda
02.2004 - 11.2005
Ph.D. - Biomedical Technologiae
Tshwane University of Technology
04.2001 -
Master of Science - Biomedical Technologiae
Tshwane University of Technolody
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science Honours - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology
University of Venda
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry And Microbiology
University of Venda
04.2001 -