NRF 25 years: Dr Avela Kunene

NRF 25 years: Dr Avela Kunene

This year, the NRF is celebrating a major milestone in our history as we commemorate 25 years of Research, Innovation, Impact and Partnerships. It always gives us great joy to share the accomplishments and impact of the many students and researchers we have supported during various stages of their careers. We thank all participants for submitting their stories and hope you enjoy reading about their journey with the NRF.

Dr Avela Kunene is currently a lead scientist for the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) Work Package 3: Scale-up and Demonstration, within the CARE-O-SENE project at the HZB in Germany. She received funding from the NRF for her Master’s and PhD studies.

How did your journey start?

My study and career journey has been an exciting blend of passion, perseverance, and exploration.

It all began with my fascination for science-related subjects, which drove me to pursue chemistry and chemical engineering studies at the University of Cape Town. Along the way, I developed the desire to pursue postgraduate studies, compelled by a deep need to make a tangible impact through research.

As such, during my postgraduate studies, I’ve had the privilege of being inspired by world-renowned researchers who have shaped my skills and perspectives profoundly. Each step has been a learning opportunity, guiding me towards being part of the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) as their research fellow for the CARE-O-SENE project. It’s been a journey fueled by curiosity, dedication, and eagerness to grow.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

I received Scarce Skills Development and Innovation NRF funding for MSc and PhD (Chemical Engineering) studies; respectively. These NRF grants have had a profound impact on both my career and personal life. Professionally, it provided crucial financial support that enabled me to conduct cutting-edge research, pursue advanced training opportunities, and collaborate with leading experts in my field. This funding empowered me to significantly contribute to the scientific community and advance my academic career trajectory.

On a personal level, the grant offered a sense of validation and recognition for my work, instilling confidence in my abilities and potential. Moreover, it alleviated financial burdens, allowing me to focus more on my research goals and professional development. The positive outcomes of the grant have also reverberated within my academic circle, inspiring and influencing my colleagues, students, and collaborators.

Overall, the NRF grant has been instrumental in shaping my career path, enhancing my research capabilities, and fostering a supportive network of peers and mentors.       

What is your area of expertise?

I currently serve as lead scientist for the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) Work Package 3: Scale-up and Demonstration, within the CARE-O-SENE project at the HZB in Germany – a non-university research institute.

My primary research focus lies within the CARE-O-SENE project, where I am part of a team of young scientists researching the development of a new generation of catalysts for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Our work is driven by a commitment to addressing the environmental challenges of aviation through innovative catalytic solutions. It’s an exciting journey at the forefront of sustainable energy research, and I’m honoured to contribute to such a vital endeavour.

Why is your work/studies important?

CARE-O-SENE is an international consortium project that is a collaborative effort between Germany (i.e. Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Fraunhofer IKTS, and INERATEC) and South African institutes [SASOL (South Africa and Deutschland) and the University of Cape Town (UCT)].

The significance of our work in the CARE-O-SENE project extends beyond borders, with potential global implications for sustainable aviation. By developing advanced catalysts for sustainable aviation fuel, we aim to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of air travel, contributing to mitigating climate change on a global scale.

This research not only aligns with international sustainability goals but also holds promise for South Africa and other countries by fostering the development of cleaner and more efficient aviation technologies. Ultimately, our efforts strive to pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future for aviation worldwide

What are some of your proudest academic achievements?

One of my proudest academic achievements is the successful co-supervision of an MSc student who completed his thesis with distinction. This project involved guiding the student through the entire research process, from formulating the research question to developing the methodology, analysing data, and refining the final thesis. The student’s research focused on heterogenous catalysis, and seeing his growth as a researcher was incredibly rewarding. Achieving a distinction was a testament to the hard work and dedication we both invested in the project, and it reinforced my passion for mentoring and supporting the academic development of others.

Another significant milestone in my career is my involvement in CARE-O-SENE, an innovative initiative focused on developing a new generation of catalysts for kerosene synthesis. Participating in this project enabled me to collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals to tackle crucial challenges in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, such as aviation. Working with CARE-O-SENE not only enhanced my research and problem-solving abilities but also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving impactful outcomes.

Together, these experiences have been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey. Co-supervising a student to distinction and contributing to CARE-O-SENE are achievements that I am immensely proud of, reflecting my commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and innovative research.

The rights to this article (content and images) are reserved by the National Research Foundation of South Africa. This work is licenced under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED) license: this implies that the article may be republished (shared) on other websites, but the article may not be altered or built upon in any way. Credit must be given to the National Research Foundation and a link provided back to the original article.

Related Posts