Experimental Design and Data Analysis
Phumelela Peace Mwelasi
Agricultural Scientist/Plant Pathology
Pietermaritzburg,KZN
Summary
Experienced Agricultural Scientist/Plant Pathologist with a demonstrated history of working in tertiary institutions. Skilled in Biological/Agricultural Sciences. Agricultural Scientist professional with an Honours Degree in Crop Science (University of Zimbabwe) and a Master's Degree in Crop Protection (Course Work + Dissertation) from Midlands State University, Zimbabwe. Research interests include Mycology, Bacteriology, Entomopathogens, Entomology; Biological Control, Molecular Plant Pathology; Plant Medicine; Plant/Crop Protection, Microbe-Microbe, Host-Microbe interactions, Data Science, and Informatics for plant disease research. Enthusiast of interdisciplinary science and other disciplines working towards food security, human development and/or wellbeing.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
18
18
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Languages
Work History
Contract Lecturer
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban
2022.02 - 2022.06
- Established positive and encouraging relationship with students and helped to foster appreciation for Life Science for Educators 3 - Biological Systems 2 (EDBS312E1)
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations
- Delivered lectures at appropriate pace and pronunciation for optimal audience comprehension by non-native English-speaking students
- Designed and distributed lecture material (pre-recorded videos, lecture slides) online to increase student understanding and help with revision
- Used PowerPoint and Learn2022 (Moodle), and distance learning technology (Zoom) to give presentations to students as well as tutorials for revision
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge
- Organized virtual laboratory activities and simulation experiments for optimum learning
- Participated in science and technology cluster committee meetings to remain aware of developments in subject
- Taught subject matter based on information compiled from textbooks, online sites and other educational materials
Contract Lecturer
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban
2021.03 - 2021.07
- Established positive and encouraging relationship with students and helped to foster appreciation for Life Science for Educators 3 - Biological Systems 2 (EDBS312E1); Natural Science for Educators (EDNS210E1-General Chemistry); Laboratory Demonstrator Plant Pathology (PPTH745-Field Plant Pathology)
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations
- Delivered lectures at appropriate pace and pronunciation for optimal audience comprehension by non-native English-speaking students
- Designed and distributed lecture material (pre-recorded videos, lecture slides) online to increase student understanding and help with revision
- Used PowerPoint and Learn2022 (Moodle), and distance learning technology (Zoom) to give presentations to students as well as tutorials for revision
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge
- Organized virtual laboratory activities and simulation experiments for optimum learning
- Participated in science and technology cluster committee meetings to remain aware of developments in subject
- Taught subject matter based on information compiled from textbooks, online sites and other educational materials
Contract Lecturer - Teaching Practice Tutor
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa
2020.09 - 2020.12
- Give support and guidance to Student Teacher in Training on one-on-one basis based on guidelines sent by Teacher Training Coordinator
- Assist Student Teacher in Training (STT) in production of professional "Teaching Statement", review and comments on their teaching statement
- Guide STT on production of lesson plans (lesson plan preparation) in given subject areas of their specialisation, review and comment
- Watch and listen to STT teaching videos produced through specific guidelines and provide scores using provided rubric as well as provide feedback for each STT
- Assist, review and evaluate STT lesson plan preparation for given
scenario or case study - Review STT work on assessment task given to STTs after switching roles to that of tutor assessing STTs
- Assess STTs on how to manage teaching and learning in practical setup
- Assess and review STTs on their reflective work through out activities tasked of them during teaching practice module
- Participated in science and technology cluster committee meetings to remain aware of developments in subject
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships
Contract Lecturer
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban
2020.02 - 2020.07
- Established positive and encouraging relationship with students and helped to foster appreciation for Natural Science for Educators (EDNS210E1-General Chemistry)
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations
- Delivered lectures at appropriate pace and pronunciation for optimal audience comprehension by non-native English-speaking students
- Designed and distributed lecture material (pre-recorded videos, lecture slides) online to increase student understanding and help with revision
- Used PowerPoint and Learn2022 (Moodle), and distance learning technology (Zoom) to give presentations to students as well as tutorials for revision
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge
- Organized virtual laboratory activities and simulation experiments for optimum learning
- Participated in science and technology cluster committee meetings to remain aware of developments in subject
- Taught subject matter based on information compiled from textbooks, online sites and other educational materials
Contract Lecturer-Biostatistics
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg
2019.03 - 2019.06
- Established positive and encouraging relationship with students and helped to foster appreciation for School of Life Sciences Biological Science Toolkit (BIOL200E1-Introductory Biostatistics Course)
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations
- Designed and distributed lecture material (pre-recorded videos, lecture slides) online to increase student understanding and help with revision
- Used PowerPoint and Moodle, and face-to-face lecture presentation as well as tutorials for revision
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge
- Organized face-to-face laboratory activities for data capture and analysis through SPSS/GenStat and Excel for optimum learning
- Participated in School of Life Sciences committee meetings to remain aware of developments in subject
- Taught subject matter based on information compiled from textbooks, online sites and other educational materials
Contract Lecturer
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban
2018.03 - 2018.11
- Established positive and encouraging relationship with students and helped to foster appreciation for Natural Science for Educators (EDNS210E1-General Chemistry) and Physical Science for Educators (EDPS420E2-Solution Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Electrochemistry)
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations
- Delivered lectures at appropriate pace and pronunciation for optimal audience comprehension by non-native English-speaking students
- Designed and distributed lecture material (pre-recorded videos, lecture slides) online to increase student understanding and help with revision
- Used PowerPoint and Moodle, and Face-to-Face lecture presentations to students as well as tutorials for revision
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge
- Organized Face-to-Face laboratory activities and simulation experiments for optimum learning
- Participated in science and technology cluster committee meetings to remain aware of developments in subject
- Taught subject matter based on information compiled from textbooks, online sites and other educational materials
Lecturer-Agricultural Scientist
Solusi University
Bulawayo
2010.05 - 2017.06
- Established positive and encouraging relationship with students and helped to foster appreciation for various BSc Agribusiness Modules (Plant Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics; Biology of Plant Pathogens & Insect Pests; Introduction to Weed Science & Management; Insect Pest Management/Control; Introduction to Soil Science; Nursery & Greenhouse Technology; Climate Change and Agriculture; Introduction to Microbiology; Introduction to Entomology; Plant Pathogens and their control/management; Biostatistics/Agricultural Statistics; Seed Science & Technology; Mushroom Production & Technology)
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations
- Designed and distributed lecture material (pre-recorded videos, lecture slides) online to increase student understanding and help with revision
- Used PowerPoint and Moodle, and face-to-face lecture presentation as well as tutorials for revision
- Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge
- Organized face-to-face laboratory activities for data capture and analysis through SPSS/GenStat and Excel for optimum learning
- Participated in Agribusiness and Faculty of Science and technology committee meetings to remain aware of developments in subject
- Taught subject matter based on information compiled from textbooks, online sites and other educational materials
Programmes Officer
World Vision International (Zimbabwe)
Bulawayo
2006.01 - 2009.09
- Assisted Area Development Manager in promotion and programming of Humanitarian work (day-to-day basis) done by World Vision International in Zimbabwe through various projects budgeted for over US$1 million annually.
- Managed various projects such as Education, Water and Sanitation, Agriculture; Education; Health, Advocacy; Child Sponsorship and impacted livelihoods to over 500 000 people in 3 years.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement
Agricultural Field Officer
World Vision International (Zimbabwe)
Beitbridge
2004.09 - 2005.12
- Planning of program strategies, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of project deliverables per project design (Drought Recovery)
- Training community workers and/or farmers on sustainable agricultural practices relevant to increased production of food within their natural agro-ecological regions
- Networks with stakeholders in agricultural development (World Vision International (Zimbabwe) ADP, Ministry of Agriculture, other main line government ministries, other NGOs or civic society organisations)
Projects Officer
Christian Care
Bulawayo
2003.10 - 2003.12
- Projects Officer (NGO environment) on team that was charged with planning of program strategies, implementation, impact monitoring and/or evaluation of various projects {General Feeding Distributions (GFD), Schools/Child supplementary feeding schemes-SSFP/CSFP, Drought Recovery, HIV/AIDS community based projects
- Created rapport with both communities and various stakeholders (churches, government line ministries and other NGOs in the NGO network)
- Restructured and implemented GFD process resulting in 25% process efficient improvement with regard to time and accuracy in ration sizes in the month following implementation
Field Monitor
Lutheran Development Services
Bulawayo
2003.07 - 2003.09
- Field Monitor in a nutrition programme for children in schools, involved in planning, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of the schools feeding scheme
- Trained schoolteachers on the requirements of the nutrition programme, that is, hygiene, food preparation, height and weight measurement and analysis of data
Area Field Officer/District Agricultural Officer
Organisation for Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP)
Bulawayo
2003.01 - 2003.06
- Area Field Officer on a team charged with strategic planning, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of schools nutrition programme in 7 districts
- Created rapport with both communities and various stakeholders (churches, government line ministries and other NGOs in the NGO network
- Area District Field Officer in a Drought Recovery programme, planned, implemented, monitored and evaluated the impact of Linkages for the Economic Advancement of the Disadvantaged (LEAD) drip irrigation programme
- Trained 400 farmers and/or beneficiaries on special requirements of drip irrigation, installation, maintenance and vegetable production
Research Agricultural Field Officer
Agri-Biotech Pvt Ltd
Harare
2002.09 - 2002.12
- Research Agricultural Officer in a team led by Professor. A.I Robertson in development of virus free sweet potato and cassava seed (University of Zimbabwe Laboratories)
- Propagated virus free meristems for sweet potato and cassava using Tissue Culture Technology, hardening greenhouses and final in the field
- Distributed over 1 million (cuttings) of cassava and sweet potato virus eliminated planting material/seed to Nkayi communities with donor funds from the Swedish Cooperative Centre and working together with Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) personnel
Education
Ph.D. - Plant Pathology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 2017.07 - Current
Master of Science - Crop Protection
Midlands State University
Gweru, Zimbabwe 2013.07 - 2015.12
Bachelor of Science - Crop Science
University of Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe 1999.09 - 2002.06
Advanced Level - Sciences: Mathematics, Biology And Chemistry
Mpopoma High School
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 1997.01 - 1998.11
Ordinary Level - General Certificate of Education At Ordinary Level
Inyanda Secondary
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe 1991.01 - 1996.11
Skills
Classroom lecturing
Academic research
Presentations
Lesson Planning
Learning Management Systems
Differentiated instruction
Academic writing
Online content delivery
Software
R Programming
Genstat
SPSS
Professional Membership
Southern African Society for Plant Pathology (SASPP)
South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
Research Experience, Publications, Conferences, Research Symposiums
- Poster and Oral Presentation: “Soybean Rust Management by Akanthomyces muscarius, a Potential Biocontrol Mycoparasite”| Authors: P.P. Mwelasi, K.S. Yobo and M.D. Laing|University of KwaZulu-Natal Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium 2019: College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, 17th of October, 2019; University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus 238 Mazisi Kunene Rd, Glenwood, Durban, 4041. URL: https://pris.ukzn.ac.za/2019- postgraduate-research-and-innovation-symposium/
- Poster Presentation: “Analysis of phenolic compounds in Carica papaya, Zingiber officinale, Ipomoea batatas and Myrothamnus flabellifolius and evaluation of antifungal activity on plant pathogenic fungi”. | Authors: P.P. Mwelasi, E. Ngadze, R.M. Mudyiwa, D.T. Takuwa and K.B. Khare| The 2nd International Conference on Pesticidal Plants (06 - 09 February 2017); The Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. URL: http://projects.nri.org/options/conference; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2017.11.033.
Referees
- Dr E. Ngadze (Plant Pathology) |University of Zimbabwe | Faculty of Agriculture |Department of Crop Science |P.O. Box MP167; Mount Pleasant, Harare; Zimbabwe| E-mail: engadze@yahoo.co.uk/ engadze@agric.uz.ac.zw | Mobile: +263 772 235 448
- Dr D.T. Takuwa (Analytical Chemistry) |University of Botswana; Chemistry Department |Private Bag 00704, Gaborone, Botswana| Tel: +267 355 2500 (direct), Fax: +267 355 2836 /+267 355 2491 |Email: takuwadt@mopipi.ub.bw/ takuwa@gmail.com | Mobile: +267 7121 9982/ +267 7718 4533
- Dr L.M. Kolobe (Natural Science, Chemistry) |CU144 Main Tutorial Building| Science and Technology Education Cluster| University of KwaZulu-Natal |Tel: +27 31 260 3785 |Mobile: +27 83 256 1961| E-mail: Kolobe@ukzn.ac.za
- Mrs Sylvia Khumalo | Team Leader International Rescue Committee – Zimbabwe |34 Greendale Avenue, Greendale, Harare |Tel: +263 4 498394-5 / 498211 |Mobile: M +263 772 107 711 |E-mail: jiyanesyl@yahoo.com |Skype: Sylvia.Khumalo (Former Christian Care Supervisor/line manager)
- Mr Mvelo Mjimba | Education Technical Leader | Education Development Trust, Zimbabwe | Email: mvelomjimba@yahoo.com | Mobile: +263 77 954 4062 | Skype: mvelo.mjimba (Former World Vision International Supervisor/line manager)
- Mr Themba Sibanda | Chief of Party | Norwegian Refugee Council | 100M Road Ekhlas Empire Centre, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) | E-mail: themba.sibanda@nrc.no | Mobile: +9647517407627 | Skype: Tngwenyama (Former World Vision International Employee and mentor)
- Dr Sipho Moyo (Animal Scientist) | Senior Lecturer | Gwanda State University; Department of Animal Science | P O Box 30, Filabusi, Zimbabwe | Mobile: +263 77 289 8718 | E-mail: sipho.moyo@gsu.ac.zw / siphomoyo69@gmail.com | Mobile: +263 77 289 8718 (Former Solusi University Department of Agribusiness Chairperson)
- NB: Additional referees can be provided upon request
Timeline
Contract Lecturer
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2022.02 - 2022.06
Contract Lecturer
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2021.03 - 2021.07
Contract Lecturer - Teaching Practice Tutor
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2020.09 - 2020.12
Contract Lecturer
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2020.02 - 2020.07
Contract Lecturer-Biostatistics
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2019.03 - 2019.06
Contract Lecturer
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2018.03 - 2018.11
Ph.D. - Plant Pathology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2017.07 - Current
Master of Science - Crop Protection
Midlands State University
2013.07 - 2015.12
Lecturer-Agricultural Scientist
Solusi University
2010.05 - 2017.06
Programmes Officer
World Vision International (Zimbabwe)
2006.01 - 2009.09
Agricultural Field Officer
World Vision International (Zimbabwe)
2004.09 - 2005.12
Projects Officer
Christian Care
2003.10 - 2003.12
Field Monitor
Lutheran Development Services
2003.07 - 2003.09
Area Field Officer/District Agricultural Officer
Organisation for Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP)
2003.01 - 2003.06
Research Agricultural Field Officer
Agri-Biotech Pvt Ltd
2002.09 - 2002.12
Bachelor of Science - Crop Science
University of Zimbabwe
1999.09 - 2002.06
Advanced Level - Sciences: Mathematics, Biology And Chemistry
Mpopoma High School
1997.01 - 1998.11
Ordinary Level - General Certificate of Education At Ordinary Level
Inyanda Secondary
1991.01 - 1996.11