Pinkie Ntola | Materials Chemistry | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Pinkie Ntola 🎓 is a seasoned chemist and academic professional at Durban University of Technology 🏫, currently serving as Interim Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation. With a PhD in Chemistry from UKZN 🧪, her research specializes in heterogeneous catalysis and environmental analytical chemistry 🌍. She has held multiple academic roles, from tutor to senior lecturer, demonstrating unwavering commitment to education and innovation 📚✨. Dr. Ntola is also a dedicated member of several university committees and has received numerous awards recognizing her excellence in teaching, research, and industry engagement 🏅👩‍🔬.

Publication Profiles

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Google Scholar

 Education & Experience 

🎓 Education

• 🎓 PhD in Chemistry (2021), University of KwaZulu-Natal – Heterogeneous Catalysis

• 🧪 Master of Technology in Chemistry (2011–2014), Durban University of Technology

• 🧫 Bachelor of Technology in Chemistry (2009), Durban University of Technology

• ⚗️ Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (2006–2008), Durban University of Technology

• 📜 Certificate in Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods (2017), DUT

• 🎒 Grade 12 Senior Certificate (2001), Bizana Senior Secondary School

🧑‍🔬 Experience

• 📍 Interim Director, Technology Transfer and Innovation, DUT (Present)

• 👩‍🏫 Senior Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., DUT (2024–Present)

• 👩‍🏫 Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., DUT (2015–2023)

• 🧑‍🏫 Junior Lecturer, Chemistry Dept., DUT (2010–2014)

• 🧑‍🏫 Inorganic Chemistry Tutor, DUT (2009)

• 🔬 Trainee Chemist, Anglo American (2008)

• 👩‍🔬 Lab Demonstrator & Tutor, DUT (2007)

 

Summary Suitability For The Award

Dr. Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa, is a highly accomplished academic and researcher whose contributions to materials chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and environmental analytical chemistry exemplify cutting-edge research excellence. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, her innovative work and scholarly impact make her an outstanding candidate for the Excellence in Research Award.

 Professional Development

Dr. Ntola has actively invested in her professional growth through academic training, research certifications, and leadership roles 🎯📈. She completed a certificate in qualitative and quantitative research methods 📊, equipping her with essential skills for scientific inquiry. Her trajectory from tutor to senior lecturer reflects her dedication to lifelong learning and impactful teaching 📘🧑‍🏫. As a DHET National Expert in Chemical Laboratory Technology 🧪, she contributes to national academic standards. Dr. Ntola’s involvement in university boards and strategic committees highlights her leadership in institutional development and policy formulation ⚖️📋, fostering innovation and collaboration across academic and industrial domains 🌐💼.

 Research Focus 

Dr. Ntola’s research revolves around Materials Chemistry, Heterogeneous Catalysis, and Environmental Analytical Chemistry 🔍🌿. Her PhD explored oxidative dehydrogenation using metal oxide-supported catalysts, contributing to greener and more efficient chemical processes ⚗️♻️. She is passionate about solving real-world environmental challenges through analytical innovation and sustainable chemistry 🌱🧪. Her work intersects advanced material design and catalytic mechanisms, providing insights into pollution reduction and energy efficiency 🌍⚙️. As an emerging researcher, she continuously expands her scientific footprint by engaging in multidisciplinary collaborations and supervising student research, shaping the future of applied chemical sciences 🧑‍🔬📈.

 Awards & Honors 

• 🏅 Emerging Researcher Award, Faculty of Applied Sciences (2019)

• 🥉 3rd Prize, Best Oral Presentation, PRIS Conference at UKZN (2020)

• 📜 Certificate of Recognition in Research, Dept. of Chemistry (2022)

• 👩‍💼 Outstanding Female Industry Liaison, STEAMI (2023)

• 📜 Certificate of Recognition in Research, Dept. of Chemistry (2023)

• 🏆 Teaching & Learning Excellence Award, Faculty of Applied Sciences (2023)

• 🧪 DHET National Expert, Chemical Laboratory Technology Skill (2024)

Publication Top Noted

• 📘 Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using promoted, unsupported, supported, bimetallic and spray-dried iron catalysts: A review – AS Buthelezi et al., 2024, Cited by: 12 🔬

• 🔥 Exploring the role of fuel on the microstructure of VOx/MgO powders prepared using solution combustion synthesis – P Ntola et al., 2022, Cited by: 8 🧪

• 🧑‍🏫 A survey of soft skills expectations: a view from work integrated learning students and the chemical industry – P Ntola et al., 2024, Cited by: 7 💼

• ⚗️ Effect of the fuel on the surface VOx concentration, speciation and physico-chemical characteristics of solution combustion synthesised VOx/MgO catalysts for n-octane activation – P Ntola et al., 2023, Cited by: 4 🔍

• 💧 Comparison of UV and ELS detectors in HSPEC analysis of natural organic matter in dam water – KG Moodley et al., 2017, Cited by: 3 💡

• 📄 Development of methods for the separation and characterization of natural organic matter in dam water – P Sobantu, 2015, Cited by: 3 💧