ABOUT ME & UPDATES

My Journey | My Values | International Experiences | Academic Engagement | Life Beyond Research

MY JOURNEY: FROM ESWATINI TO TAIWAN

My name is Dr. Wonder Nathi Dlamini. I come from the Kingdom of Eswatini in Southern Africa, and my academic and professional journey has brought me to Taiwan, where I have pursued higher education, scientific research, teaching, and international collaboration.

My journey has been shaped by curiosity, determination, adaptability, and a belief in the transformative power of education. Moving across countries, cultures, and academic environments has challenged me to develop new perspectives, embrace unfamiliar opportunities, and continuously expand my understanding of the world.

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, Soil and Environmental Sciences at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan, in 2019, followed by a Master of Science in Soil and Environmental Sciences in 2021.

My early academic experiences developed my interest in the relationships between microorganisms, plants, soil, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. They also helped me appreciate the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in addressing complex scientific problems.

In 2025, I earned my PhD in Environmental Science and Technology from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan. Doctoral training strengthened my ability to approach complex problems systematically, conduct independent scientific investigations, collaborate across disciplines, and communicate research findings to diverse audiences.

Beyond earning academic qualifications, this journey has taught me the importance of persistence, intellectual humility, cultural understanding, and continued personal development.

I view education not simply as the acquisition of degrees, but as an ongoing process of learning, questioning, discovering, and contributing.

BEYOND THE LABORATORY

My professional development has not followed a single path. Alongside academic research, I have gained experience in teaching, technical consulting, project coordination, educational development, and operations management.

Before advancing my academic career, I worked as an Operations Supervisor at Tech Tool 2000 in Eswatini, gaining practical experience in organizational coordination, business processes, logistics, teamwork, and professional responsibility.

My subsequent experiences in Taiwan introduced me to university research, laboratory coordination, scientific communication, international educational environments, and collaborative projects.

At National Chung Hsing University, I contributed to teaching and research assistance, laboratory activities, and student learning. My subsequent work at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University involved interdisciplinary research, scientific communication, research coordination, and student mentorship.

Beyond university activities, I have worked in educational settings and technical consulting, including remote consultancy with Biondis International Trading in the Philippines.

Working across these different environments has strengthened my appreciation for the connection between scientific knowledge and practical implementation.

I believe that strong professional development involves more than technical expertise. It also requires adaptability, accountability, communication, interpersonal understanding, and the ability to work constructively with people from different backgrounds.

These experiences continue to shape the way I approach research, education, leadership, and collaboration.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE & CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

Living and studying outside my home country has been among the most influential experiences of my life.

My academic journey in Taiwan has provided opportunities to work with people from different nationalities, scientific disciplines, and educational backgrounds. These interactions have broadened my understanding of international research, cultural diversity, and the importance of mutual respect.

I have participated in international scientific conferences and academic activities in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Iceland, and the United States.

Through these experiences, I have presented research, exchanged scientific ideas, engaged with international scholars, and developed professional relationships.

I have also contributed to activities involving international student representation, scientific conference organization, and academic community engagement.

I value international collaboration because it allows individuals to exchange knowledge, challenge assumptions, develop new perspectives, and approach shared problems with complementary strengths.

My experiences in Eswatini and Taiwan have reinforced my belief that meaningful scientific and educational progress benefits from diverse perspectives and international cooperation.

ACADEMIC SERVICE & PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT

I consider service to the academic community an important part of professional responsibility.

Beyond conducting and communicating research, I have participated in scholarly peer review, academic leadership, conference organization, professional associations, and activities supporting students and researchers.

Peer-Review Contributions

My scholarly peer-review experience includes contributions to journals covering environmental engineering, environmental management, water treatment, sustainable development, horticulture, and plant physiology.

• Sustainable Cities and Society | Since 2023

• Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering | Since 2024

• Journal of Environmental Management | Since 2024

• Journal of Water Process Engineering | Since 2025

• Scientia Horticulturae | Since 2025

• Plant Physiology and Biochemistry | Since 2025

Peer review has strengthened my understanding of scientific rigor, research quality, reproducibility, constructive criticism, and the responsibilities associated with scholarly publishing.

I regard reviewing as an opportunity both to contribute to the scientific community and to continue developing as a researcher.

Professional Associations & Networks

My academic and professional engagement has included participation in the following organizations:

• Taiwan Occupational Hygiene Association (TOHA) | Since 2025

• World African Researchers, Engineers, Entrepreneurs & Scientists Alliance (WARESA) | Chairman, Taiwan-WARESA (2024–2025)

• International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ) | Since 2024

• IEEE Nanotechnology Council | 2023–2025

• International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE) | 2022–2025

• East and Southeast Asia Federation of Soil Science Societies (ESAFS) | 2019–2021

These professional communities have provided opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement, scholarly exchange, academic networking, and professional development.

Leadership & Community Engagement

My experience has included involvement in international student representation, academic conference organization, scientific outreach, laboratory coordination, and activities promoting collaboration among scholars.

In 2024, I served as an International Student Representative at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.

In 2025, I contributed to the organization and leadership of the WARESA Multidisciplinary International Research Conference, serving in conference chairing, organizational, and steering committee roles.

My academic leadership experience also includes laboratory coordination, research mentoring, teaching assistance, and participation in professional academic networks.

I value opportunities to support emerging researchers, encourage international knowledge exchange, and help create academic environments where individuals can contribute meaningfully.

ACADEMIC HONORS, AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Throughout my academic journey, I have received recognition for scientific research, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, academic achievement, and scholarly communication.

Among others, these distinctions reflect different stages of my professional development and my commitment to interdisciplinary research, scientific innovation, and academic excellence.

2025 | First Prize — Taiwan Occupational Hygiene Association (TOHA)

Received first-prize recognition in a research competition for work involving novel nanomaterials for viral and bacterial inactivation.

2023–2025 | Outstanding Research Achievement Award — NYCU

Research achievement recognition from the Office of Research and Development, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, recorded across the 2023–2025 period.

2024 | First Prize — NYCU Alumni Association & Higher Education Development Program

Received first-prize recognition associated with academic achievement through the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Alumni Association and Higher Education Development Program.

2024 | First Prize — Biomedical Annual Thesis Competition

Received first prize in the English Oral Presentation category, recognizing scientific presentation skills and academic communication.

2024 | Carbon Capture Innovation Prize — Surface Measurement Systems

Received recognition associated with scientific innovation and environmental technology.

2022 | Sustainable Development Goals Student Research Award

Received recognition for academic work associated with environmental sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals.

2021 | Gold Prize — Taiwan Comprehensive University System

International Article Writing Competition, recognizing academic writing and scientific communication.

2020 | Bronze Award — Taiwan Comprehensive University System

International Article Writing Competition, recognizing academic writing and communication.

These achievements reflect my commitment to scientific investigation, interdisciplinary learning, environmental innovation, and effective knowledge communication.

MY PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY

I believe that knowledge carries both opportunity and responsibility.

Scientific research requires intellectual curiosity, disciplined investigation, integrity, critical thinking, and a willingness to reconsider assumptions when evidence demands it.

Equally important is the recognition that knowledge becomes more meaningful when it contributes to the well-being of others.

My approach to professional life is guided by continuous learning, accountability, respect, collaboration, and the pursuit of purposeful work.

I believe that education should inspire independent thought, research should advance reliable understanding, and leadership should create opportunities for others to develop their potential.

Having experienced different cultures and professional environments, I have learned to value humility, adaptability, and the importance of listening before forming judgments.

Success, in my view, is not measured solely by academic qualifications, publications, professional titles, or external recognition. It is also reflected in personal growth, meaningful relationships, ethical choices, and the positive influence we have on others.

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS & FUTURE ASPIRATIONS

I remain committed to pursuing opportunities that encourage scientific discovery, interdisciplinary research, higher education, international collaboration, and professional development.

I am particularly interested in academic and research environments that value scientific integrity, innovation, mentorship, diversity, and the practical application of knowledge.

As my career progresses, I hope to contribute not only through research and education, but also by supporting future scientists, building collaborative networks, and participating in initiatives that connect academic knowledge with societal needs.

My long-term aspiration is to continue growing as a scientist, educator, collaborator, and individual while making meaningful contributions to the communities and institutions with which I engage.

NEWS, MILESTONES & PROFESSIONAL UPDATES

Academic Development | Research Achievements | International Conferences | Professional Activities

My academic and professional journey has involved scientific research, teaching, international collaboration, academic leadership, and continuous professional development.

The timeline below highlights selected appointments, research milestones, international activities, and important developments between 2020 and 2026.

2026 | RESEARCH, EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Continuing Academic and Professional Engagement

I continue to pursue scientific research, interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and professional development in Taiwan and internationally. My professional activities include teaching at Taipei Language Institute, supporting projects under the Taipei City Government, and providing remote technical consulting services to Biondis International Trading in the Philippines. I also continue to build on my research and student mentorship experience at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, with interests in developing new scientific collaborations, research projects, and international academic partnerships.

Continued Scientific Publications

My scholarly record expanded through collaborative research examining the water quality of the Banong River receiving effluent from Sleman Public Hospital. This work complements my previous investigations involving antimicrobial nanomaterials, indoor-air purification, microbial ecology, agricultural sustainability, and environmental health.

2025 | DOCTORAL COMPLETION & INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC ENGAGEMENT

2025 |Doctor of Philosophy

I received my PhD in Environmental Science and Technology from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan. My doctoral dissertation investigated nanomaterials for microbial inactivation in air, water, and on surfaces. This milestone marked the completion of several years of interdisciplinary scientific research, academic development, and international collaboration.

June 2025 | Healthy Buildings Europe, Iceland

I participated in ISIAQ Healthy Buildings Europe 2025 in Reykjavík, Iceland, presenting research on antiviral aerosol filtration and cloud-enabled environmental monitoring for healthcare air purification. The event provided opportunities for scientific exchange with researchers working on indoor environmental quality, aerosol science, and environmental technologies.

June 2025| One Health Networking Conference, Taiwan

I presented research examining enhanced antiviral efficacy of bimetallic Ag–Cu/TiO₂ nanocomposites for water disinfection at the 2nd One Health Networking Conference in Taipei. The conference supported interdisciplinary discussions on environmental health, biotechnology, and public-health research.

April 2025 | Occupational Hygiene Research Conference, Taiwan

I presented research concerning nanomaterial-based viral inactivation at the International Conference on Occupational Hygiene and Occupational Medicine in Tainan, Taiwan.

March 2025 | WARESA International Research Conference

I contributed to the organization and leadership of the WARESA Multidisciplinary International Research Conference in Taipei, serving in conference leadership and organizational roles.

2024 | INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC EXCHANGE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

November 2024 | International Research Conference, Japan

I presented research concerning sustainable water purification, antiviral technologies, and public-health applications at the 2nd Multidisciplinary International Research Conference in Tokyo, Japan.

July 2024 | International Indoor Air Conference, United States

I participated in the 18th International Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate in Honolulu, Hawaii. I presented research on antiviral filtration, viral-aerosol removal, and healthcare air-purification technologies.

2024 |Research, Academic Communication & Innovation

During this period, my academic activities included research presentations, multidisciplinary collaboration, scientific communication, and recognition for research achievement and innovation.

2023 | INTERNATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

September 2023 | International Environmental Epidemiology Conference, Taiwan

I contributed to collaborative research presented at the 35th Annual Conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The presentation addressed virus-aerosol filtration and related environmental-health research.

July 2023 | IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology, South Korea

I participated in the 23rd IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology in Jeju, South Korea. My presentations addressed antimicrobial nanomaterials, viral and bacterial inactivation, and viral-aerosol filtration technologies.

2023 | Research Development

My academic activities included doctoral research, laboratory investigations, interdisciplinary scientific communication, and continued participation in environmental biotechnology projects.

2022 | SUSTAINABILITY & DOCTORAL RESEARCH

October 2022 | University Social Responsibility Conference, Taiwan

I presented research on bacterial endophyte thermotolerance and plant-growth-promoting effects at the University Social Responsibility Conference in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

2022 | Doctoral Research Development

My research activities involved environmental biotechnology, antimicrobial nanomaterials, laboratory experimentation, and scientific development.

2021 | MASTER'S COMPLETION & DOCTORAL TRANSITION

September 2021 | Beginning Doctoral Research

I began my doctoral studies and research activities at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. This transition expanded my scientific interests from soil microbiology and plant–microbe interactions into environmental biotechnology, functional nanomaterials, aerosol science, and microbial inactivation technologies.

July 2021 | Master of Science Completion

I completed my MSc in Soil and Environmental Sciences at National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan. My research explored plant–microbe interactions, beneficial microorganisms, and environmental stress tolerance.

2020 | EDUCATION, SUSTAINABILITY & SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION

2020 |Sustainable Development Conference, Taiwan

I presented work on distance learning as a response to COVID-19 at a Sustainable Development Conference in Taichung, Taiwan. This contribution reflected my interest in education, international development, and the practical challenges affecting communities.

This timeline presents selected academic and professional milestones. Detailed information on publications, conference presentations, funding contributions, awards, professional appointments, and research activities is available in the corresponding sections of my academic portfolio.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

“Every moment, every day is a blessing. Live with intention. Walk with courage. Grow with humility. Let knowledge serve a purpose greater than personal achievement.”

Life is shaped by the decisions we make, the challenges we encounter, and the lessons we learn along the way. Every experience offers an opportunity to grow, reconsider our perspectives, and discover strengths we may not have recognized before.

I believe that fulfillment comes not only from achieving goals, but also from appreciating the journey, remaining grounded through uncertainty, and recognizing the value of what we already have.

A single act of encouragement can make a meaningful difference in another person's life. Through kindness, generosity, and a willingness to believe in others, we can help create environments where people feel supported and inspired to pursue their aspirations.

My hope is to continue living with courage, curiosity, humility, and purpose—while encouraging others to recognize their own potential.

“True achievement is not only what we accomplish, but also what we contribute to the lives of others.”