#WomenUnlocked: Meet the 3 wonder women of science in UKZN
They are a force that cannot be reckoned with, trail blazers in an industry that has been dominated by men since existence, meet the three doctors who are making waves in the fields of science.
When Stacey and JSbu got a call from the University of KwaZulu- Natal who shared details of their annual Wonder Women In Science campaign that happens in August, the duo knew that they wanted to play their part in creating awareness of the event.
The Wonder Women In Science campaign celebrates female scientists from UKZN's College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science. This years event will be happening virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wonder Women In Science webinar will take place on the 27 August 2020, from 10 am until 12 pm. The event will be hosted by Expresso presenter, Katlego Maboe and attendees will be entertained by South African musician, Lira.
Stacey and JSbu managed to speak to three of some of the incredible women who will be taking centre stage at the event. Meet Dr. Hloniphile Sithole-Mthethwa who is a mathethician and PhD candidate:
When Stacey and JSbu chatted with Hloniphile, it was very clear that the good doctor was a bit shy which caught the duo off guard. 'Why would a whole doctor and PhD candidate by intimated by radio when they do such incredible and complicated things with numbers' thought Stacey.
Dr Hloniphile Sithole Mthethwa, a lecturer in the mathematics, statistics and computer science believes that mathematics is a language of its own that we all use daily without realising it, and that, far from being something to fear, it is a language one can become fluent in with enough practice.
The doctor aims to become a mentor and Professor, nurturing students who will produce meaningful research and achieve exponentially more than she has.
The team then had the chance to speak to Dr.Lorika Beukes who is a Microscopist and Microbiologist. As soon as Lorika started explaning what it is that she does, Stacey and JSbu were intrigued and could not stop asking her questions.
Beukes began her foray into the sciences with childhood dreams of becoming a veterinarian, progressing from a youngster fascinated with insects and snakes found in her garden to a teenager who relished experimenting with chemical reactions in science, and on to a microbiology student exploring herbal medicinal recipes as a hobby!
The soft spoken Lorika, passionately shared with Stacey and JSbu how her passion for discovery began. Lorika also shared, her field is still male-dominated and there are times when women are undermined or have to prove their capabilities. She firmly believes women generally bring a unique set of skills, particularly multi-tasking, to the balancing act of managing a scientific career, excelling in organisation and dedication and with a strong work ethic.
Stacey and JSbu then had the opportunity to chat to a woman who personifies her name, Dr. Joy Adu. Joy is a Civil Engineer and expert in water quality modelling and wastewater engineering.
As soon as the team started chatting with Joy, they were taken by her enthusiastic personality and the more Joy, shared about her profession the more intrigued the duo were. She focuses her work on an essential resource for life and sustenance: Water. Her most recent work is on non-point source pollution in streams and rivers. The occurrence of which directly impacts water quality, safety, and availability.
Joy dreams of changing the way wtare is used and preserved for present and future generations.
Sometimes, superhero's do not come in capes KZN- what extraordinary women! To find out more of these incredible ladies, click here: Meet The Wonder Women Of Science or watch the video below:
Listen to the full interviews with the 3 doctors in the podcast below: