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Pumza Mente (PhD) 🇿🇦

Pumza Mente (PhD) 🇿🇦

Laboratory Assistant

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Chemical Science Researcher | PhD in Chemistry | Materials Scientist | Microscopy, Spectroscopy Chromatography | R&D Associate | Data Analysis

  • Education

    • University of the Witwatersrand

      2017 - 2021
      Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Chemistry

      Research Tittle: The use of functionalized polymers to make hollow carbon spheres to be used as supports in catalysis.The aim of this project was to synthesize polymer spheres that can stabilize metal nanoparticles, to prepare metal/carbon catalysts for use in heterogeneous catalysis. The study investigated the synthesis of size-controlled cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated inside hollow carbon spheres. These were used as catalysts in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol as well as the… Show more Research Tittle: The use of functionalized polymers to make hollow carbon spheres to be used as supports in catalysis.The aim of this project was to synthesize polymer spheres that can stabilize metal nanoparticles, to prepare metal/carbon catalysts for use in heterogeneous catalysis. The study investigated the synthesis of size-controlled cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated inside hollow carbon spheres. These were used as catalysts in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol as well as the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde. To compare the activity and selectivity, the cobalt nanoparticles were also supported outside HCSs. The materials were characterized using SEM, TEM, PXRD, TGA, TPR, ICP-OES, etc. The research results were presented in several conferences and 3 publications were produced. Show less

    • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

      2014 - 2014
      Honours Chemistry Distinction

      Research project tittle: Improving the efficiency of diphenyl disulfide as a devulcanizing agent.Short description of the research project: The optimization of the decomposition of diphenyl disulfide (DPDS) was investigated by conducting a theoretical study, where DPDS and its derivatives were modeled. All theoretical calculations were done using the Spartan computational package at 298.15 K and 1 atm. Bond formation enthalpies were determined using the B3LYP hybrid Density Functional… Show more Research project tittle: Improving the efficiency of diphenyl disulfide as a devulcanizing agent.Short description of the research project: The optimization of the decomposition of diphenyl disulfide (DPDS) was investigated by conducting a theoretical study, where DPDS and its derivatives were modeled. All theoretical calculations were done using the Spartan computational package at 298.15 K and 1 atm. Bond formation enthalpies were determined using the B3LYP hybrid Density Functional Theory model with the 6-31G** basis setSubjects:1) General theory: Chemical synthesis and characterization techniques2) Analytical methods: Electrometric methods, spectrophotometry, atomic spectroscopy, chromatography and NMR spectroscopy3)Industrial chemistry: Management, process design, utilities, and engineering in the chemical industry4) Physical/polymer chemistry: Adhesion and coatings chemistry, polymer science, polymer thermodynamics, polymerization kinetics and solid-state reactions Show less

    • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

      2011 - 2013
      Bachelor of Science (BSc) chemistry and applied mathematics

      3 year bachelor's degree with the following subjects:Chemistry (major)Applied mathematics (major)MathematicsPhysics Computer fundamentals

    • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

      2015 - 2016
      Master’s Degree Polymer Chemistry

      Research project tittle: Natural fiber reinforced natural rubber/reclaimed rubber composites.The aim of the research was to find secondary application/s for waste/reclaimed rubber recovered from car tyres. This was done by the fabrication of reclaimed rubber composites reinforced with natural fibres obtained from agricultural waste.I acquired knowledge and experience in composites compounding, natural fibers (processing and treatment), reinforcement fillers, and respective… Show more Research project tittle: Natural fiber reinforced natural rubber/reclaimed rubber composites.The aim of the research was to find secondary application/s for waste/reclaimed rubber recovered from car tyres. This was done by the fabrication of reclaimed rubber composites reinforced with natural fibres obtained from agricultural waste.I acquired knowledge and experience in composites compounding, natural fibers (processing and treatment), reinforcement fillers, and respective characterization techniques. Show less

  • Experience

    • Nelson Mandela University

      Feb 2014 - Oct 2014
      Laboratory Assistant

      > Assisting undergraduate and postgraduate students in laboratory practical work > Demonstrating functions of equipment in the laboratory to students > Grading student laboratory reports > Ensuring that students adhere to the laboratory rules and safety standards

    • Nelson Mandela University

      Jan 2016 - Jun 2016
      Assistant: Academic planning

      > Assistance in application for accreditation and approval of new academic programs (in all faculties) by South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).> Reviewing all academic programs offered by the institution and identifying programs that had to be changed or phased out. > Reviewing minutes from Executive Committee Senate (ECS) and Academic Program Committee (APC) meetings.> Keeping track of all pending applications for new academic programs or changes to existing academic programs. Show less

    • University of the Witwatersrand

      Mar 2017 - Mar 2020
      Laboratory Assistant

      > Assisting undergraduate students with laboratory practical work.> Demonstrating functions of equipment in the laboratory to students. > Grading student laboratory reports.> Ensuring that students adhere to the laboratory rules and safety standards.

    • University of the Witwatersrand

      May 2021 - Oct 2021
      Postdoctoral Researcher

      > Experimental research on the synthesis and characterization of metal and metal oxide catalysts supported on carbon supports, for application in heterogeneous catalysis and chemical sensing.> Organizing and charring the catalysis research group seminars.> Analysis of internal and external samples using various instruments/techniques.> Mentorship of postgraduate students in the catalysis and materials research lab.

    • Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences

      Nov 2021 - Feb 2023
      Postdoctoral Researcher

    • University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika

      Apr 2023 - Mar 2024
      Researcher

  • Licenses & Certifications

  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Pumza Mente (PhD) 🇿🇦
      Research Poster Award (1st Place) The Microscopy Society of Southern Africa (MSSA) Nov 2018 The best student research poster presented at the Microscopy Society of Sothern Africa Workshop on Materials Science
    • Awarded to Pumza Mente (PhD) 🇿🇦
      WITS Postgraduate Merit Award WITS University Jan 2018
    • Awarded to Pumza Mente (PhD) 🇿🇦
      James Moir medal The South African Chemical Institute (SACI) Feb 2015 The James Moir medal is awarded to the best BSc Honours student in chemistry at each Technikon, University or Institute of Technology. To be eligible for the award the student must have achieved a minimum final pass mark of 75%. One medal is available for award annually for each Technikon, University or Institute of Technology in the Republic of South Africa.
    • Awarded to Pumza Mente (PhD) 🇿🇦
      Research and Innovation Award Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA) Feb 2015
    • Awarded to Pumza Mente (PhD) 🇿🇦
      Academic Merit Award Nelson Mandela University Jan 2014
    • Awarded to Pumza Mente (PhD) 🇿🇦
      Academic Merit Award Nelson Mandela University Jan 2013

  • Volunteer Experience

    • Student Volunteer

      Issued by Unity in Africa Foundation on Aug 2015
      Unity in Africa FoundationAssociated with Pumza Mente (PhD) 🇿🇦