High praise for top science boffin
A WORLD-renowned nanotechnology expert who grew up herding sheep in Lesotho says mentoring the next generation of African scientists is more important to her than winning international research awards.
Rhodes University Distinguished Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Nanotechnology, Tebello Nyokong, 65, yesterday said it warmed her heart to see so many young people going into research.
“It is important to create new knowledge, to solve the world’s current challenges, to create the socalled knowledge economy.”
Speaking after being recognised by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s National Laser Centre (CSIR-NLC) for her contribution in getting young minds to embrace cutting-edge research, Nyokong said African scientists had a lot to offer.
“It is important for Africa to be in the forefront of research. It seems some people are not aware Africans have contributed tremendously to of science.”
Nyokong defied the odds to become a global expert whose prolific research output is astounding.
Working with students from around the world, Nyokong has successfully supervised a staggering 76 the origins Masters and PhD students and published peer reviewed research with every single one of them.
“My students need to be role models for others and show hard work pays.”
Having published close to 600 manuscripts – including peer reviewed research, patents, a book and book chapters – Nyokong leads by example.
Research with her students into CSIR-NLC-funded laser technology includes protecting pilots against attacks while flying, developing thin polymer films embedded with dyes that block intense laser light and photodynamic therapy of cancer.
Nyokong’s output and commitment to mentoring young scientists by doing joint research was praised yesterday by vice-chancellor Sizwe Mabizela.
“Professor Nyokong and her group have done what we thought to be the impossible – 63 ISI high impact journal publications in one year.
“For all of us, it is a great honour and advantage to have an African scientist working at this level at our institution.” —