Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award-2401

Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology. Her work focuses on green and sustainable chemistry, specifically the use of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids to convert biomass-derived glucose into valuable biochemicals. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has professional experience as a Research Scientist Intern and Sales Technology Chemist. With a strong background in coordination chemistry and applied research, she brings a passion for innovation, community impact, and scientific advancement.

Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi, Durban University of Technology, South Africa

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ORCID

 🎓 Education

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi has an extensive academic background in Chemistry. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, where her research focuses on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for the conversion of glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse to value-added biochemicals. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her master’s research centered on the synthesis and evaluation of Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes and their morpholine adducts, with applications in antibacterial and anticancer studies. she completed her Honours degree in Chemistry with distinction (Cum Laude) at the University of Fort Hare, focusing her research on bipyridine adducts of transition metal dithiocarbamate complexes. She also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Geology from the University of Fort Hare. Prior to that, she obtained her matric exemption from Templeton High School .

Contribution

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi has made meaningful contributions to the field of chemistry through her academic research and applied scientific work. Her Ph.D. research is advancing sustainable chemical processes by converting agricultural waste into high-value biochemicals using innovative materials like ZIF-8 and ionic liquids—supporting green chemistry and waste valorization efforts. She has also contributed to the understanding of metal-ligand complexes with potential antibacterial and anticancer properties, enriching the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Beyond the lab, she has supported research development at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology and contributed to technology-driven solutions during her time at Buckman Laboratories and the Technology Innovation Agency. Through her academic achievements, technical skills, and public-sector engagement, she is helping to bridge research, industry, and societal impact.

🏆Awards

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Ms. Tokoyi has been recognized for her excellence and dedication. She is a recipient of the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Scholarship for both her Honours and Master’s studies. In 2017, she was awarded the James Moir Medal by the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) for outstanding academic performance in Chemistry. She has completed numerous professional development programs, earning certificates in business writing and communications, Microsoft digital literacy, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety, Mushroom Cultivation, and the design of bioactive molecules such as Pleuran and Cordycepin. She also holds certifications in Quality Control and Quality Assurance Techniques.

👩‍🔬 Experience

Ms. Tokoyi brings over three years of professional experience, primarily within research and applied chemistry roles. she has been serving as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at Durban University of Technology. Her earlier roles include working as a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories under the Yes Graduate Program, where she honed her skills in technical sales and client support. Additionally, she served as a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, gaining practical experience in scientific research, laboratory operations, and applied innovation in the chemical sciences.

🔬 Research Focus

Ms. Tokoyi’s research is rooted in applied and sustainable chemistry. Her current Ph.D. work investigates the use of advanced materials such as ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for the green conversion of biomass-derived glucose into biochemicals, contributing to circular economy and renewable resource utilization. Her prior research involved transition metal complexes with potential biological applications, highlighting her interests in bioinorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and materials chemistry. Her academic trajectory illustrates a commitment to leveraging chemistry for innovation in both health-related and environmental applications.

📚 Publications

Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering Transactions, July 2024

Potential Application of IL@ZIFMOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques

Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques

Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Journal of Molecular Liquids

Kata Sreelakshmi | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Kata Sreelakshmi | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Kata Sreelakshmi, Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science, India

Dr. Kata Sreelakshmi is an accomplished researcher in applied mathematics and fluid mechanics, specializing in non-Newtonian fluids, heat transfer, and MHD flows. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidyalayam (2018) and has an extensive publication record in high-impact journals, including work on nanofluids and dual stratification effects. She has presented her research at international conferences and has taught and mentored students in mathematics. Her work is significant in engineering, materials science, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Sreelakshmi’s expertise makes her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🧑‍🏫🔬📚

Publication Profile

GoogleScholar

Scopus

Educational Background 🎓

Dr. Kata Sreelakshmi completed her Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidyalayam in 2018. She also earned an M.Phil. with distinction (78%) in Applied Mathematics in 2015 and an M.Sc. in the same field with distinction (86%) in 2011. Her B.Sc. (M.P.C) from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, was awarded first class (70%). Dr. Sreelakshmi excelled academically, securing distinction in both her Intermediate (87%) and S.S.C (83%) exams, showcasing her consistent academic performance across all levels. 📚🎓🔢

Current Role and Focus 💼

Dr. Kata Sreelakshmi is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science since September 13, 2023. Previously, she held positions as Assistant Professor at Siddartha Institute of Science and Technology (Sep 2022 – Aug 2023), Sri Venkateswara Vedic University, Tirupati (2019-2022), Yogananda Institute of Technology and Science, Tirupati (Jul 2018 – Jun 2019), and Emerals’s Degree College, Tirupati (2011-2014). She has taught M.Sc. students in subjects like Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Methods, and Laplace Transforms, showcasing her expertise in advanced mathematical topics. 📚🎓

Seminars/Conferences Attended

Dr. Kata Sreelakshmi has presented her research at several prestigious national and international conferences, showcasing her expertise in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and nanofluid flow. Notable presentations include the effect of Arrhenius activation energy and dual stratifications on Maxwell nanofluid flow at NIT Warangal (2020), and the study of melting heat transfer in the stagnation point flow of a Jeffrey-nano fluid at SPMVV, Tirupati (2016). She also presented on the impact of Hall current in flow induced by a stretching surface at S.V. Tirupati (2015). Her work addresses advanced topics in MHD flows, nanofluids, and thermal radiation. 🔥🔬📊

Research Focus Area 🌱🧬

Dr. Kata Sreelakshmi’s research primarily focuses on advanced heat transfer and fluid dynamics, particularly in non-Newtonian fluid flows and nanofluids. Her work explores heat transfer analysis in non-Newtonian flows with the dispersion of nanoparticles, the effects of thermal radiation, and the role of stretching surfaces. She investigates complex fluid dynamics in various systems, including magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and hybrid nanofluid flows, entropy generation, and boundary layer phenomena. Her research includes studies on energy transport, thermophoretic effects, and the impact of various nanoparticle shapes on heat transfer performance. This area is crucial for engineering applications like cooling systems, energy efficiency, and advanced manufacturing. 🌡️🔬

Publications Top Notes 📚🌐

Effect of magnetic field on the flow and heat transfer in a Casson thin film on an unsteady stretching surface in the presence of viscous and internal heating

A study on entropy generation on thin film flow over an unsteady stretching sheet under the influence of magnetic field, thermocapillarity, thermal radiation and internal heat …

Heat transfer analysis in the non-orthogonal flow of a non-Newtonian nanofluid with non-linear thermal radiation

Dual Stratification Effects on Double-Diffusive Convective Heat and Mass Transfer of a Sheet-Driven Micropolar Fluid Flow

Dual solutions of an unsteady flow, heat and mass transfer of an electrically conducting fluid over a shrinking sheet in the presence of radiation and viscous dissipation

Homotopy analysis of an unsteady flow heat transfer of a Jeffrey nanofluid over a radially stretching convective surface

Heat transfer analysis in a micropolar fluid with non-linear thermal radiation and second-order velocity slip

Effects of dual stratification on non-orthogonal non-Newtonian fluid flow and heat transfer

Conclusion 🔍

Dr. Kata Sreelakshmi’s academic qualifications, research publications, conference presentations, and teaching experience make her an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work in applied mathematics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer is highly relevant to contemporary issues in engineering, energy, and environmental science. She has demonstrated a consistent commitment to advancing knowledge in her field and has made significant contributions to the understanding of complex fluid behavior. Additionally, her role as a mentor and educator further adds to her qualifications as a top-tier researcher. Therefore, she is certainly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.