Brewing
Trust Mukudzei Pfukwa
Research Scientist
Johannesburg
Summary
Analytical Research Scientist with experience in experimental research and data analysis. Detail-oriented and methodical professional successful in developing in-depth research projects. Reliable team player with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist
University of Johannesburg
7 2023 - Current
- Received a competitive two-year R500 000 fellowship for research in fruit postharvest treatments
- Developing SOPs and training manuals for decay management techniques in the Postharvest & Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC)
- Identification and control of fruit post-harvest pathogens
- Developing environmentally friendly biological alternatives to chemical control for shelf-life extension of fruits and vegetables
- Efficacy testing of green synthesised nanoparticles in management of fruit postharvest quality
- Safety testing of biological control agents for industrial applications
- Supervising postgraduate students.
Junior Researcher
Stellenbosch University
01.2017 - 06.2023
- Delivered over 350 consultations to students in ways to improve the writing and readability of their work
- Led the design, experimentation, data collection, interpretation, report writing as well as industry partner engagement of 2 experimental research studies including the collection of data on phytochemical screening of fruit processing waste and indigenous Southern African fruits
- Applied cell-based assays and next generation sequencing to investigate the antioxidant and toxicological effects of indigenous plant extracts
- Applied extract purification technologies using macroporous resins for improving bioactivity of phenolic extracts
- Participated in the Future17 Sustainable Development Goals Challenge, QS Quacquarelli Symonds (2023)
- Started a spin-off company, Utamu Foods, informed by research we undertook into the valorisation of indigenous fruit.
Production Manager
Simbisa Brands (formerly Innscor Fast Foods)
01.2009 - 04.2014
- Simbisa Brands holds the distinction of being the largest operator of fast-food restaurants in Zimbabwe including Creamy Inn, Pizza Inn, Chicken Inn, Bakers Inn, Nandos, and Steers
- Implemented preventive maintenance programs for equipment, extending their lifespan and minimizing downtime due to malfunctions.
- Led quality team in reducing yield losses in processed fresh potato chips and cooking losses in beef patties
- Managed a team of 15 production staff, overseeing the preparation of production schedules, staff training, and mentoring, while giving and taking feedback.
- Utilized data analysis tools to identify and resolve production issues.
- Analyzed production data and prepared reports for senior management.
Education
PhD - Food Science
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, WCMSc - Food Science
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch, WCBSc - Food Science & Technology
University of Zimbabwe
Harare, ZimbabweSkills
Team Collaboration
Interpersonal Skills
Relationship Building
File Management
Quality Assurance Controls
Written Communication
Analytical Thinking
Research methods
Technical Troubleshooting
Results interpretation
Team building
Career Accomplishments
- Finalist in the start-up category at the 2023 Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-city Universities (GISU) Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship final competition in Italy
- Communicated insights to different audiences in 4 empirical research papers, 3 radio interviews, 1 podcast interview, 1 book chapter contribution, 4 presentations at scientific conferences, and 10 newspaper and magazine articles.
- Raised and managed R60 000 in investment funding for a flavoured tea start-up.
Interests
Cocktail making (flavor pairing)
Tea formulation
Timeline
Junior Researcher
Stellenbosch University
01.2017 - 06.2023
Production Manager
Simbisa Brands (formerly Innscor Fast Foods)
01.2009 - 04.2014
Research Scientist
University of Johannesburg
7 2023 - Current
PhD - Food Science
Stellenbosch University
MSc - Food Science
Stellenbosch University
BSc - Food Science & Technology
University of Zimbabwe