NRF 25 years: Lindiwe Maphalla

NRF 25 years: Lindiwe Maphalla

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. 

Ms Lindiwe Maphalla is a PhD candidate at the University of Johannesburg. She is currently funded by the NRF and also received NRF funding for her BTech and Master’s.

How did your journey start

My journey began with a strong passion for science, which led me to pursue undergraduate studies and a BTech in Biotechnology at the Vaal University of Technology. I had the opportunity to work for esteemed research and pharmaceutical organisations such as the CSIR and the Biovac Institute where my passion for research grew immensely.

After gaining practical experience in the industry, I made the decision to further my studies. I enrolled in a Master’s programme at the University of Johannesburg and I am currently pursuing Doctoral studies focusing on Biotechnology and Nanoscience.

Throughout my academic journey, research has been my priority. I have collaborated with experts in the field and actively contributed to various research projects. Furthermore, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a mentor to aspiring scientists, offering guidance and support through my involvement with the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.

Although my career path wasn’t planned, my unwavering passion for research guided me to where I am today – where I am dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and inspiring others in the field of Biotechnology and the broader scientific community.

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

My academic journey, supported by the NRF, has led to significant research accomplishments.

With NRF funding, I explored the potential of actinomycetes during my BTech, and during my Master’s, I investigated the functionalisation of green-synthesized gold nanoparticles with biotinylated polyclonal specific antibodies and its applications in immunoassays.

Currently, for my PhD, I’m focusing on developing portable biosensors for priority pathogens within the ESKAPE group.

These projects have allowed me to delve into nanoscience and its applications in biotechnology, contributing to the creation of innovative diagnostic tools. The continuation of this research is made possible through ongoing NRF support, which has not only advanced my career but also positively impacted my family, university, and students I’ve guided through valuable research experiences.

In addition to these research endeavours, the NRF provided me with a remarkable opportunity to broaden my horizons at the Global Young Scientists Summit 2024 in Singapore.

What is your area of expertise?

As previously mentioned, I am currently pursuing my PhD with a specific focus on designing portable biosensors tailored for detecting priority pathogens within the ESKAPE group. These pathogens, encompassing Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species, are notorious for their multidrug resistance.

My research aims to develop innovative solutions for rapid and accurate detection of these pathogens, ultimately contributing to improved diagnostic tools and targeted treatment strategies.

Why is your work/studies important?

The research will play a crucial role in creating components essential for a cutting-edge, highly sensitive, fast, and portable point-of-care (POC) device.

This device aims to detect at least two pathogens from the ESKAPE group, focusing on those commonly found in hospital settings. Additionally, the lateral flow assay developed will offer the benefit of needing only a small sample size and will set a benchmark for detecting other ESKAPE pathogens.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements?

Thanks to NRF support, one of my proudest moments was being selected among hundreds of other students to attend and present my work at the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2024 in Singapore. It was an incredible opportunity for me to broaden my horizons.

At the summit, I had the privilege of learning from Nobel Prize winners and engaging with fellow researchers, significantly enriching my understanding of the latest scientific advancements. I was honoured to present my PhD findings during the poster session where I received valuable feedback and initiated collaborations on an international scale.

These experiences, facilitated by NRF support, have not only propelled my research forward but have also broadened my professional network and deepened my enthusiasm for scientific discovery and collaboration.

Furthermore, my MSc research findings were recognised in the conference proceedings of the 33rd JOHANNESBURG International Conference on Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, under the title Target-Specific-Biogenic-Gold Nanoparticles Enhance Immunofluorescent Detection of E. coli 0157.

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