Embedded Files
Department t of Biotechnology and Consumer Sciences
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Town Campus
July 2021
Dr David Phaho [DVC: Research, Technology Innovation & Partnerships]
Chairperson: Ad Hominem promotions committee
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Dear Sir,
RE: MOTIVATION FOR AD HOMINEM PROMOTION TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR: BIOTECHNOLOGY
RE: MOTIVATION FOR AD HOMINEM PROMOTION TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR: BIOTECHNOLOGY
It gives me great pleasure to have this wonderful opportunity to motivate for promotion to an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. After giving my career a careful thought, I believe that my qualifications, experience and contribution to CPUT, will meet the set-out criteria and standard for promotion to an Associate Professor. I have been involved in research and scholarly activities right from my Alma Mater, the University of KwaZulu-Natal before joining the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and have contributed my utmost best to the Faculty of Applied Sciences at CPUT, with the help of my senior colleagues. I have now matured into a real teacher and a seasoned researcher.
I sincerely believe that a promotion to Associate Professor: Biotechnology will motivate me the more to become an internationally recognized scholar. Since I joined CPUT in 2013, I have been involved with the development and re-curriculation of courses within the Biotechnology programme together with my research at Cape Town campus and Agricultural Research Council at various levels. As evidence, I have attached my Curriculum Vitae together with a supporting portfolio. The portfolio is just a summary ranging from 2013 to date and covers the areas of evaluation as dictated by the Ad Hominem policy document of CPUT. The sections mentioned below are in the same format as that used in the portfolio.
Apart from having my PhD in Industrial Microbiology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, I am also a qualified educator having obtained my Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) [Cum Laude] from the University of Zululand, Empangeni in 2007 (see attached certificate and exemption letter from Fundani in portfolio Section 1.5). In 2002, I was among the first candidates selected from the African continent to attend the first Higher Education Research Training Institute (HERTI) held at the Institute of Development management (IDM), Gaborone, Botswana. I am currently a registered member of the South African Council for Educators (SACE) [see portfolio Section 1.1.1] and also a member of the South African Democratic Teacher's Union (SADTU).
Since I joined CPUT in the year 2013 to date, I have received an above average evaluation by students in various subjects I teach (see portfolio 2.8]. My recent evaluation results for 2020 were done by Fundani and the feedback is attached in portfolio Section ….). My students have also appreciated the support and assistance given to them in time of challenges. All reports from peers and external moderators are included in the portfolio section 2.8. My teaching load has been very high over these years judging by the workload model due to shortage of staff at the department. Though it varies, I teach a maximum of 13 theory periods a week, as well as 7 practical periods. On average, I teach a minimum of 13 hours per week. In addition, I supervise many postgraduate students (2 x PhD s, 5 x Masters Students in 2021). I am also involved in extensive Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) coordination and mentoring . As a WIL coordinator for Biotechnology Programme, I have received good recognition for this role from the Biotechnology industry around the country ( see portfolio Section 3.1.2). Based on the new work-load model, I believe my contribution to the Biotechnology programme is above average as shown in the Table below.
Semester 1 [17 periods per week]
Biochemistry II (ECP): Level 1 (Y2) SEM 1: Theory periods per week x 5; Practical periods per week x 3
Biochemistry II (Mainstream): Level 1 SEM 2: Theory periods per week x 5; Practical periods per week x 3
Biotechnology: Introduction (ECP & Mainstream): Level 1 (Y1) SEM 1: Theory periods per week x 5; Practical period per week x 1 (Service learning with Dr Lalini Reddy, Faculty WIL coordinator)
Computer Skills Word and PowerPoint (ECP): Level 1 (Y1) SEM 1 & 2: Practical periods per week x 3
Microbiology III (Mainstream): Diploma, Level 2 SEM 1: Theory periods per week x 2.5 [Team teaching with Dr M. Nakhooda in 2014].
Semester 2 [16 periods per week]
Food Microbiology III (Mainstream): Diploma, Year 2: Theory periods per week x 5; Practical periods per week x 3
Biochemistry II (Mainstream): Diploma, Year 2: Theory periods per week x 2.2; Practical periods per week x 3
Immunology (previously Disease and Immune Response (ECP & Mainstream): Diploma, Year 1: Theory periods per week x 5 [last taught in 2013]
Industrial Microbiology: Advanced Diploma SEM 2: 5 Theory periods (new from 2020)
A separate portfolio includes checklists, learner guides and examples of FISA assessments and will be provided on request.
I teach science for understanding through inquiry by making use of guided discovery model. I also apply constructivist approach to teaching science which takes into account that students come to class with already preconceived ideas about their world that make sense to them. Difficult concepts becomes increasingly hard to grasp. So I have developed methods of correcting misconceptions in science by allowing time for individual reflections/misunderstanding of the concept in question. Misconceptions in science are based on cultural/indigenous knowledge systems and beliefs that are passed down from one generation to another (Leach, J. and Scott, P. (1995). The demands of learning science concepts: issues of theory and practice. School Science Review, 76 (277), 47-52). For ECP students, additional learning exercises such as debates were developed to increase student participation and motivation. For example, my first year ECP and Mainstream students do debates on topics in Biotechnology: Introduction every year [See section 1.3 in the portfolio]. In our service learning projects, students prepare a plan to educate a community of their choice on Immunology (previously Sanitation and Hygiene practices) thereby applying learned concepts right there in the real world (See feedback from students on Community Engagement Section in the portfolio 3.3). In 2020, the ECP Biochemistry students were assessed on the diagnosis of the new COVID'19 disease. They were tasked with sourcing the web to find the origin, transmission, diagnosis and possible treatments for the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Each group had a written assignment and prepared a PowerPoint presentation which they orally presented online via the Microsoft Teams app. There were quizzes to boost understanding as well as question and answer sessions amongst peers in assessing the presenting group that took place (The video recording is hereby submitted as evidence in portfolio Section 1.1.3). A standard rubric with set criteria was used to assess the online presentations while a discussion board on Blackboard enhanced peer communication amongst the students. The use of Blooms taxonomy in setting questions means that students are assessed at their appropriate level in terms of specific outcomes outlined in SAQA level descriptors and CPUT graduate attributes.
It's very difficult to judge oneself but from the feedback I have received over the years from my colleagues, peers and students, I think I can claim that I have good communication skills. I have the ability to convey information to people clearly and simply especially in the workplace, in a way that means things are understood and get done. I employ various communication tools including social media (Email, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google etc.) to transmit and receive messages clearly, and being able to read my audience. Some examples of my communication skills are shown in Section 1.1.4.
I adopted E-resources as early as possible in my teaching career at CPUT. I use most of the Blackboard/My Classroom tools including Respondus, SafeAsign, Microsoft Teams etc., to set tests, assignments and online teaching of my subjects. Programme materials such as study guides, PowerPoint lectures, e-textbooks and tutorials etc., are made accessible to students using this platform. See attached a Certificate of recognition from the Centre for E-Learning for my efforts on the use of Blackboard/My Classroom. I also use WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram and YouTube videos sometimes for communicating information and enhance students’ retention. Daniela Gachago from CPUT introduced us to the use of digital e-resources for teaching and learning. All these e-resources can be viewed on mobile devices thereby increasing teaching and learning access both synchronous as well as asynchronous delivery.
At the end of every lesson, I review concepts learned in relation to the outcomes. My lesson plan has the following sections: Outcomes of the lesson, reviewing previous concepts, lead in events, materials needed for the lesson, and a brief summary of activities, which will be performed during the lesson. Furthermore, I include Photographs/diagrams/video on PowerPoint slides, leading questions as a form of introducing discussion points for concepts taught during the lesson. Generally, I promote active learning and facilitate respect for diversity and gender equality by strategic grouping of students. In some cases, I have adopted team teaching with my colleagues (Dr M. Nakhooda and Dr. L. Reddy) to share expert knowledge on particular topics with students (Portfolio Section 1.9 evidence).
Note: Please also refer to my teaching philosophy (pg 1 of my curriculum vitae).
I have been appointed as a postgraduate Thesis examiner for UKZN and UNISA for 2017 and 2020 (see portfolio 1.7). I also examine an average of 5 mini-theses per year from the Biotechnology programme at CPUT.
Since joining CPUT in 2013, I have trained and graduated an average of x 4 in-service training students per year, who has progressed to other levels in their academic career (see details in portfolio Section 1.1.12). In the period 2013-2020, pass rates for all subjects I taught increased and remained steadily so (e.g. Sanitation and Hygiene moved from 86 – 100 % in 2014; Biotechnology: Introduction (previously Disease and Immune Response) moved from about 70% to 90% over the same period; Biochemistry II for ECP students ranged from 80 – 100 %, Food Microbiology III ranged from about 75 – 100% and for Microbiology III team-taught with Dr. M. Nakhooda, 81 – 90 % (see portfolio Section 1.1 for evidence]. Since 2015, I have been the Work-Based Learning (WBL) coordinator for Biotechnology Department and have contributed to the placement and mentoring of WIL students especially in industries across Africa. I have also mentored students at in-service training sponsored by Deloitte at Bachelors level successfully. Most of these students have completed their qualifications and progressed to their different careers (see portfolio 1.1 of evidence for a list of placed and supervised students).
I am committed to producing graduates in accordance with the philosophy described in the CPUT vision. I regularly update courses, and encourage critical thinking among students as I regard this as one of the most important attributes a graduate can take from CPUT. I have revised the content of Food Microbiology III, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology: Introduction, linking the flow of concepts and introducing practical components into the course for the first time. Also Workplace-Based Learning has been revised to capture an important concept of Bio-economy. Details of are provided in the Portfolio as evidence (Section 1.2 and 1.3].
Since joining CPUT I have attended many Staff Development Workshops especially on Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP). Some of the themes include:
Support systems for Students in Transition for Enhanced Success
Workshop on Service-Learning and Research facilitated by Prof Timothy Stanton
Classroom Fika: Conversations about the ECP Classroom
Add more
Over the past 6 years the applicant has lectured at CPUT, the pass rate of the students at all levels has been good, adequately meeting the standards set by others. This is evident [portfolio Section 1.1] from the results of ECP and undergraduate examinations set by the applicant. In the period 2013-2019, pass rates for most subjects increased (Biochemistry II, 80 – 100 %, Food Microbiology III moved from about 75 – 100% for ECP students and Biotechnology: Introduction moved from about 70% to 90%; etc.) [See portfolio Section 1.1 for evidence].
Since 2015, I have been responsible for the placement, monitoring and assessment of WIL students as the Departmental WIL coordinator. Most of these students have gone on to complete their qualifications. – see portfolio 1.1 of evidence for a list of placed and supervised students, since 2015.
I have written a book titled Biogas Production in Africa: Benefit Potentials of Cassava Biomass. Saarbrücken: published by OMNI Scriptum GmbH & Co. KG with 84 pages and ISBN Numbers:-13:978-3-659-61521-4; ISBN-10:3659615218; EAN: 9783659615214. Though the book is mainly for research students, undergraduates can still benefit on the subject of anaerobic digestion. The book will be reviewed from time to time.
Portfolio evidence in this section will be limited to research activities, which I had participated and/or contributed to more than 40% of the work done as indicated in my Curriculum Vitae, as I sincerely believe that this is a true reflection of proper scholarly pursuit in research. Although, I might have contributed to research of others, the mention of such research will be limited in this section of the portfolio.
Note: the evidence provided will only include the front page of manuscripts, conference books with abstract presented and single page confirmation of reviews conducted including invitations received. The committee can ask for a detailed/extensive portfolio with complete manuscripts and other related documentation if it so wish.
Meet the requirements of UoT’s DHET Bench mark of 0.5 units per year since 2012. The bench mark was more than double in 2014 (See portfolio of evidence 2.8).
According to Google Scholar citations, my works have been cited 150 times since 2011 with an H-index of 4. A paper I published in Elsevier Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews journal (Impact factor = 6.0) has generated more than 90 citations from top researchers in just about 5 years after being published. By November 2014, my profile in Academia.edu generated 5170 views which are top 2% by 30 day views. With 3951 downloads my Thesis remains in the top 2% by the same month. By February 2016, my article on cassava biogas remains the most downloaded publication from CPUT in ResearchGate.net with 33 new downloads. My profile in LinkedIn attracts many visitors and I belong to several discussion groups:
Google Scholar Citations 150
Google Scholar Citations 150
h-index 4
i10-index 3 As at April 29, 2020
I have published 11 journal papers, 2 books/chapter, 1 Technical report and 17 Conference proceedings to date. Copies of the front page of the papers are listed in Section 2.4 of the portfolio. I have published in many Journals as shown below:
ELSEVIER: Bioresource Technology Reports, 2021
JAPAN OIL CHEMISTS' SOCIETY: Journal of Oleo Science, 2020
MDPI: Applied Sciences, 2020; 10 (9), 3153; Impact factor
SPRINGER: Waste and Biomass Valorisation: 2020; 11, 4799–4808 Impact factor
CSIR-NISCAIR: Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources, 10 (2); 143 – 149. Impact factor
ECON: International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 9(2), 105-116. ISSN: 2146-4553. Impact factor…
IAEME Publication: International Journal of Mechanical Engineering & Technology (IJMET), 9(12); 338-352. ISSN: 0976 – 6359. Impact factor…
ELSEVIER: Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, August 9, 2014, vol. 39(2014)1035–1052. Impact factor = 6.0 for 2015
AFRICAN JOURNALS ONLINE: Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, October 2012; 11(5): 729-737. Impact factor =0.589 for 2015
SCIELO: South African Journal of Science, May/June 2007, vol.103, No. 5/6: 216 – 222. Impact factor = 0.957 for 2015
AFRICAN JOURNALS ONLINE: Discovery and Innovation, 1997; vol. 9, No. 1/ 2: 25 – 32. Impact factor = 0.03 for 2015
2.1.2.1 Accredited journal articles (in press)
Journal of Energy and Power Engineering, USA, May 31, 2014, Vol. 8 (5) 836 – 843 Impact factor = 0.838 for 2014
In 2014, I contributed to a Technical Report titled “The State of Waste to Energy Research in South Africa-A review” commissioned by South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) in collaboration with Renewable Energy Centre of Research & Development (RECORD) and a German company (GIZ) (see portfolio section 2.11 for evidence).
The conference proceedings listed in portfolio Section 2.10 are for research in my field of study. Overall, I have delivered 8 presentations (poster and oral) at national and international conferences which include:
Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Engineering for Waste and Biomass Valorisation, July 13-16, 2020 Guelph - Canada
Proceedings of the 17th JOHANNESBURG Int'l Conference on Science, Engineering, Technology & Waste Management (SETWM-19) Nov. 18-19, 2019 Johannesburg (S.A.)
Proceedings of the 17th JOHANNESBURG Int'l Conference on Science, Engineering, Technology & Waste Management (SETWM-19) Nov. 18-19, 2019 Johannesburg (S.A.)
Botswana Institute for Technology, Research & Innovation (BITRI)
TrueScholar
4th National Biogas Conference at the ARC, Hatfield from 14-16 August 2019.
Proceedings of the Bioenergy STRONG 2018 Conference held on 16th - 18th October, 2018 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Advances in Science, Engineering, Technology and Healthcare (ASETH-18), Nov. 19-20, 2018, Cape Town
Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Advances in Science, Engineering, Technology and Healthcare (ASETH-18), Nov. 19-20, 2018, Cape Town
Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Advances in Science, Engineering, Technology and Waste Management (ASETWM-17), Nov. 27-28, 2017, Parys, South Africa
Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Advances in Science, Engineering, Technology and Waste Management (ASETWM-17), Nov. 27-28, 2017, Parys, South Africa
Proceedings of the 4th U6 Consortium International Conference, 11th – 15th September 2016
Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies, 19th - 22nd July 2016, Singapore
SABIA Meeting on The State of Waste to Energy Research in South Africa
Green Energy and Expo 2015, Orlando, USA (oral)
3rd U6 Consortium International Conference 2015, Ilorin, Nigeria (oral)
2nd U6 Consortium International Conference 2014, Cape Town, South Africa (poster)
Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB) Conference 2014, St Louis, USA (poster)
12th International Conference of Sustainable Energy Technologies (SET 2013), Hong Kong, China (oral)
112th American Society for Microbiology conference (ASM 2012), San Francisco, California, USA (poster)
South African Society for Microbiology (SASM) conference 2011, Cape Town, South Africa (poster)
(portfolio section 2.10 evidence)
I have successfully supervised/co-supervised 6 postgraduate students (1 PhD, 3 Masters and 2 Honours) Full list of students is available on my CV (see portfolio section 2.13.1).
I have attended two workshops on Postgraduate Supervision offered by Centre for postgraduate studies at UKZN conducted by Johann Mouton and also CPUT. The training have really shaped my attitude towards research supervision. Some references on this discourse have been included in the portfolio section 2.12 as evidence. I have also undergone training in Design of Experiments at SIMB conference in St Louis, USA which enables me to give correct guidance to postgraduate students on the design of their projects.
I currently supervise 2 PhDs and 5 Masters students. Of note is that Biotechnology Department where I belong, have never had a postgraduate programme. And I have to squeeze myself into other programmes sometimes without success. For example, in 2020, two potential students of my mine were turned back on the excuse that their programmes are full. The full names of my students are listed on my CV (see portfolio Section 2.13.1].
On joining CPUT, I became part of the final conception and birth of a new Bio-resources Engineering Research Group (BioERG) located at Biotechnology Department at Cape Town Campus of CPUT with aims to take Bioresources research to another level in South Africa. The PI was Prof SKO Ntwampe who left the university in December 2019 and have been replaced by Prof Marshall Sheldon (former DVC Research). I am now appointed as a Co-PI for the BioERG group under the Faculty of Applied Sciences. I am also a pioneering member of the Water Research Institute involved in the establishment of the new institute at CPUT under Prof Marshall Sheldon.
I have received funding in excess of 5 million Rand since my days as a Postdoctoral fellow at UKZN and still receive funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) including from THRIP and the URF offered by CPUT – see below:
· 2020-2022 CSIR DSI-Interbursary Support (IBS) Programme; Comparison of anaerobic digestion approaches using selected fibrous and non-fibrous organic waste; R100 000.00
2020-2022 NRF Thuthuka (Post-PhD track); Development of Biomethanation Services from Environmentally-Recalcitrant Abattoir and Winery Solid Wastes Project; R 970 000.00
· 2020-2022 THRIP + iBERT research grant, Sub-contract with Stellenbosch University; High-throughput biomethane potential prediction of commercial anaerobic digester behavior project; R 5 617 450.00, Masters Bursary; R 300 000.00
· 7/2018 NRF collaboration grant, KIC African Interaction, R 20 000.00
· 2016-2018 NRF Thuthuka (Post-PhD Track); Biogas production from cassava biomass and winery waste project. R 647 480. 00
Postgraduate student bursary grants/funding
Postgraduate student bursary grants/funding
· 2009-2010 Prof Mark Laing Grant-holder linked bursary; Isolation of antibiotics from soil bacteria; R16 000.00
Postdoctoral fellow grants/funding
Postdoctoral fellow grants/funding
· 2012 UKZN Research grant, Biogas production from cassava biomass project, 2012-2013; R360 000.00.
· 2011 UKZN Publication grant, Scholarship for Publication of Research articles, 2011; R42 000.00.
· 8/2018 KIC African Interaction grant Top-up, University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG), R25 000.00
· 2016-2017 CPUT University Research Fund (URF), Biogas production from co-digestion of Zebra manure and winery waste project; R115 000.00
· 2014-2015 CPUT University Research Fund (URF), Biogas production from food waste/cassava biomass; R 75000.00
My research has focused mainly on the use of food and plant waste along with some selected energy crops such as cassava, sugar beet and Amadumbe. The individual and group activities are available on LinkedIn, Research Gate and Academia.edu websites (see Portfolio evidence). I collaborate across countries both within and outside Africa; Cranfield University, UK, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch. The future of Waste to Energy Research for South Africa lies with the following focal areas in mind: the use of the selected feedstock for research such as, Food (Industrial) and Plant (Agricultural) waste, Municipal solid waste (Household), Slurry and Sewage and selected energy crops like cassava. I will recommend separate food waste collections (bins) by the municipal officials. The average household in SA throws away lots of food every month not to mention the wastes from the supermarkets and restaurants. Adopting this strategy will boost recycling rates by 25%, reduce waste that end up in landfills by 30% and save local authorities in South Africa millions of Rand on the cost of disposal.
I have published a review article on cassava adoption in South Africa especially for bioenergy production. The potential of cassava biomass and applicable technologies-a review was published in 2014 with Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review Journal. It is available on the internet (Research Gate, Academia.edu, Elsevier, and Google) and provided as evidence in the portfolio (2.4). Cassava crop provides multiple benefits due to its better water-footprint than most crops. It is currently not a staple food in SA and can supplement other wastes due to its high carbohydrate content and can be grown in most parts of the country without much fertilizer input. Educating our commercial farmers to try this crop could spiral the AD research into a big industry as it complements well with other feedstock currently used in South Africa.
In my opinion, most waste to energy research in SA is focused on Thermal conversion technologies (combustion, gasification, pyrolysis etc.) to the neglect of anaerobic digestion technology. The benefits of AD technology to the future SA economy cannot be overemphasized and more research is needed in this area to tap into this multi-million dollar industry. Research into bio-resources which includes technologies and processes complimentary to the AD process are also required. These processes will help increase the viability and efficiency of the AD technology. Research into emerging technologies and products from the bio-economy such as:
1. Bioplastics made from VFAs produced during AD will reduce dependence on oil-based plastics
2. Algal research can be run from heat produced from AD plant
3. Improving energy storage from heat and electricity produced from AD plants
4. Cleaning up biogas for use as vehicle fuel and injection into the national grid
5. Possible chemical products from long chain fatty acids made during the AD process
In partnerships within CPUT, I have been a co-investigator with Prof SKO Ntwampe (PI) on NRF Research and Technology (RTF) fund approved grant for 2016 on Patulin detection and treatment, R 216667.00 pa until 2018. Total value = R 650000.00.
Currently, the following colleagues are partnering with me in my research, in terms of co-supervising of postgraduate students with other emerging researchers at CPUT:
Prof. V. Jideani – Food Technology/MTech level
Prof SKO Ntwampe –Bioprocess Engineering/PhD level – BioERG member
Dr Chowdhury Mahabubur- Chemical Engineering/Nanotechnology
Dr Seun Oyekola, Chemical Engineering/M.Eng Level.
See portfolio Sections 2.4; 2.10; 2.13 & 2.14 for information about collaboration (publications and Co-supervision).
Below are my collaborators outside CPUT on my own research projects:
Prof Eugene van Rensburg (Stellenbosch University) - THRIP project on Biogas from fibrous and non-fibrous organic waste
Prof Johann Gorgens (Stellenbosch University) -THRIP project on Biogas from fibrous and non-fibrous organic waste
Prof Elvis Fosso-Kwankeu (North-West University) - Biomethanation from abandoned coal mines
Prof Cristina Trois (University of KwaZulu-Natal) - Cassava biogas project published together
Prof Stefan Schmidt (University of KwaZulu-Natal) – Cassava biogas project published together
Prof Tilahun Workneh (University of KwaZulu-Natal) – Cassava biogas project published together
Prof Frederick Mike Wallis (University of KwaZulu-Natal – Antibiotics project published together
Prof Mark Laing (University of KwaZulu-Natal) – Antibiotics project published together
Dr Nathaniel Sawyerr (University of KwaZulu-Natal) – PhD student I co-supervised
Prof Paul Scherer (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany) – MoU with BioERG and advisor on Bioenergy
Frederick Coulon (Cranfield University, UK) – Trainer and advisor, also moderates reports
Dr Mrs Nike Lewu (ARC, Stellenbosch) – Winery solid waste biogas project
Mr Reckson Mulidzi (ARC, Stellenbosch) – Winery solid waste biogas project
Dr Andrew Eloka-Eboka (North-West University) - Bioemthanation from abandoned coal mines
Dr Chukwudi Onwosi (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) - Cassava biogas
Dr Tochi Amadi (University of Nigeria, Nsukka) - Dawadawa condiment microbiology
I regularly review manuscripts from International Journals. In some cases, I have received recognition certificates for my contribution: A summary can be viewed on Publon website. Some examples include:
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews (Certificate of recognition)
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
Journal of Chromatography A
Journal of Cereal Science
African Journal of Microbiology Research
International Journal for Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Research
Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology (Certificate of recognition)
Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food Science
These invitations demonstrates that I am recognized at both national and international level in the field of my research, i.e. Bioenergy and Biotechnology. Copies of the front-page of correspondence from the Journal’s Editors are in the portfolio SECTION 2.14.5.
I am a reviewer for many International Journals and publishers (Elsevier, Springer, ScholarOne, Academic Journals etc.). I have reviewed papers from the following International Journals (10 International Journals). The journals are:
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Applied Energy
African Journal of Agricultural Research
African Journal of Biotechnology
Journal of Chromatography A
Journal of Cereal Science
African Journal of Microbiology Research
International Journal for Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Research
Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
I am an editorial board member of Scholars Academic Journal of Pharmacy (ISSN 2320-4206) since 2013 (see portfolio section 2.5 for evidence). I have received many invitations from various organizations:
An invitation to attend NRF Review Panel for Thuthuka in 2015
Member of Editorial Board, Scholars Academic Journal of Pharmacy (ISBN 2320-4206)
Refer to portfolio SECTION 2.14.4 for award and recognition letters
I have also peer reviewed the following URF applications for funding since 2014:
Dr L. Kambizi on Hydroponic propagation of Siphonochilus aethiopicus: an endangered medicinal plant
Prof SKO Ntwampe/Mpongwana CPUT URF application
Dr M. Nakhooda CPUT URF application
Dr L. Kambizi/Xego CPUT URF application
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I am a reviewer for NRF including Thuthuka and Research Chair applications as well as Masters and Doctoral Studies applications (See section 2.13.1 for evidence).
In October 2020, I spoke at the prestigious World Biogas Summit & Expo held online in UK: https://app.swapcard.com/event/world-biogas-expo-and-world-biogas-summit-2020/person/RXZlbnRQZW9wbGVfMzMxMTUxNw%3D%3D. My talk was captured in an article wrote on a media platform Anaerobic Digestion.com Blog site: https://blog.anaerobic-digestion.com/how-biogas-sub-saharan-africa/. In 2018, I visited the Botswana Institute for Technology, Research & Innovation (BITRI) where I delivered a public lecture on “The Potential Development of Sustainable Biogas Industry in Botswana: A Research Perspective”. I was also a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria where I delivered a talk on “Development of bioenergy services from drought-tolerant cassava” in fulfilment of the requirements for the African Interaction and collaboration award. Since 2014, I have been visiting the Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch for the installation of a pilot research project on biogas generation from Winery solid waste. A variety of agricultural (energy crops) and industrial waste and wastewater have been used to generate biogas suitable for heating and cooking purposes. The research project is generating interests among researchers and students since the commencement of the trial run (see photograph in portfolio 2.7 for evidence). This pilot plant was designed and built by myself and colleagues. It is still operational to date.
I currently supervise 3 postdoctoral fellows; Dr Elizabeth Omodanisi, Dr Benjamin Okeleye and Dr Maxwell Mewa within the Bio-Resource Engineering Research Group (BioERG) .
I am the Regional Coordinator for Africa (South Africa) for the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria Alumni Association Diaspora group. I am also an active member of UKZN Alumni group in Cape Town (See evidence of appointment letter).
I pioneered the first Service Learning Project for the Biotechnology programme on Good Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Cape Town communities. The main aim is Awareness and Education and was fully supported by the University Centre for Community Engagement and Work-integrated Learning. About 80 students participated and covered about 10 different communities/schools around Cape Town Municipality. Excellent feedback were received from students and the communities. See SECTION 4.3 of the portfolio for full documented evidence including pictures.
I received a certificate of Recognition and Desktop computer from ESKOM & ENGEN for efforts in the promotion of Maths and Science in the previously disadvantaged areas of KwaZulu-Natal (see portfolio section 4.2 for evidence).
Our BioERG team of which I am a co-PI received NRF-DAFF Patulin detection and treatment grant for R 216667.00 per year until 2018. Total = R 650000.00 in collaboration with an industry partner Mr K. Folck, Cape Town Cool Drink (formerly known as Juice Box cc).
I am a leader in several areas in the institution as shown below:
From 2018 till date, I had set-up my own lab with my team called Waste2EnergyLab (W2EL) Group of which I am the Principal Investigator with set goals:
• To grow my research activities in the institution and abroad
• To primarily supervise students and postdocs to achieve my research goals
• To attract funding to the group through available funding agencies
• To maintain outputs generation and acceptable student graduation rates
• To maintain research team logistics, day-to-day coordination and record
From 2019 till date, I became the Chairperson of the CPUT Academics Research Group helping to pioneer the association activities of Early Career Researchers at the institution. Since inception in 2014, I have been the Co-Principal Investigator for the Bioresource Engineering Research Group (BioERG) entity registered at CPUT with responsibilities to:
• To grow the research activity in the BioERG
• To primarily supervise students to achieve research aims of the BioERG
• To undertake and ensure students receive basic training and other relevant specialist/discipline area training (including methods and/or techniques)
• To attract funding to the BioERG through available funding agencies beyond readily available funding mechanisms with budget submissions abiding to costing policies of the CPUT
• To maintain outputs generation and acceptable student graduation rates (on time)
• To maintain research team logistics, day-to-day coordination and record keeping of all research group activities.
• Furthermore, they will be responsible for hosting postdoctoral fellows with the support of the PI
In 2019, I became the HOD of Research for the Department of Biotechnology & Consumer Sciences tasked to oversee the research activities within the department. From 2018 till date, I sit at the Faculty Research and innovation Committee (FRIC) tasked with implementing policies and approvals for all postgraduate and staff applications. I am also the Work-place Based Learning (WBL) coordinator in my Department tasked with the collection of progress reports; communication with industry partners; signing of contracts with industries; keeping a database of all employers in biotechnology; getting feedback from students and industry supervisors; placement and mentorship of students; visiting and assessing students in industry; keeping students records and writing support letters ; Administration of marks and organizing oral presentations etc. I sit at the annual Biotechnology Advisory Board meetings as a member. From 2014 - 2019, I was the Biotechnology Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) co-coordinator responsible for attending ECP meetings on behalf of the Department, identifying at risk students and other challenges facing the students and reporting to the Faculty ECP coordinator.
At a departmental, I have served as ECP coordinator, WIL coordinator, Research representative. Find below a summary of my responsibilities at the departmental level:
a) Advisory Board: I have served as a member of the advisory board in the Biotechnology programme since 2013 when I joined CPUT.
b) Work-integrated Learning: I have been involved in helping WIL students find placements for industrial attachment since 2015. I have secured places for hundreds of students at various industries in South Africa and abroad and mentored/supervised their thesis submission and oral presentations. All have graduated with their Diploma degrees.
c) Biotechnology program marketing: I have been participating as an Open day presenter for the Biotechnology programme since 2013 to date and assist in enticing prospective students to join our Department. I am also the middle man between the Department and employers of labour who host our WIL students on an annual basis.
d) Industrial visits: Since I joined CPUT I have been part of the delegation that pays industrial visits for WIL biotechnology students and assessing their progress and presentations at selected host institutions.
At the faculty, I am a member of FHDC, FRIC research committees.
I have been a member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) during an international conference of U6 Consortium of six African Universities held at CPUT in 2014 and also have been invited to help organise the 2016 African Pharma Congress in Cape Town. In 2019, I also helped in organizing international conferences of True Scholars for the institution and was the head of the review committee (see evidence in SECTION 2.14.2).
I am member of several professional bodies and regional associations/forums that are related to my career. These are:
• Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society (Membership No. 7661037)
• Member of the American Society for Microbiology [ASM] [Membership No. 56038391]
• Member of South African Council for Educators (SACE) [Membership No. 304287]
• Member of Society for Industrial Microbiologists & Biotechnology (SIMB) [Membership No. 5030500]
• Member of South African Society for Microbiologists (SASM) [Membership No. 930]
In 2014, I was invited as a panel member by the Department of Energy (DoE) and South African Biogas Association (SABIA) at the 2nd National Biogas conference in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Again in 2015 I was invited by the Minister of Energy to attend a High level South African International Renewable Energy Conference (SAIREC) in International Convention Center (ICC) Cape Town.
Overview of Motivation
Overview of Motivation
At this stage of my career, I have developed research sponsored projects, successfully applied for grants, enhanced research capacity and activity within the Faculties of Applied Sciences and Engineering, Initiated community research partnerships, published in peer reviewed journals, supervised under- and postgraduate students studying towards obtaining a qualification. Furthermore, I have contributed to effective teaching and learning including the management of the Biotechnology programme performing associated administrative activities when required. Currently, I serve the programme as ECP mentor/Lecturer and Blackboard/Respondus co-ordinator (2.5 years to date). I hope all these activities are associated with the honour of Associate Professor.
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT EACH OF THE SECTIONS IN THE PORTFOLIO WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
If you have any queries, feel free to contact my HOD or myself.
Sincerely Yours,
Dr Vincent Ifeanyi Okudoh [Staff no. 30091070]
Dr Vincent Ifeanyi Okudoh [Staff no. 30091070]
Compiled by: Dr VI Okudoh [24 Feb 2020]
Compiled by: Dr VI Okudoh [24 Feb 2020]
Scan 30Wallis Jul 2020 (1).pdfHandwritten letter from my Masters and PhD supervisor, Prof FM Wallis conveying deep appreciation of our professional relationship over the years
Handwritten letter from my Masters and PhD supervisor, Prof FM Wallis conveying deep appreciation of our professional relationship over the years
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