Philiswa Nomngongo

Philiswa Nomngongo is a South African professor of Analytical Chemistry and the South African Research Chair (SARChI) in nanotechnology for water. Her research focuses on environmental analytical chemistry and the use of nanomaterials for water treatment, water remediation, and water quality analysis and monitoring.

Quotes

• It’s important for supervisors to take the time to understand the students they are working with or training, so that you do not make assumptions. This understanding allows them not to be scared and to do the work in a respectful, friendly and comfortable environment.[1]

• My research is motivated by the need to develop efficient methodologies for analysing heavy metals and other contaminants in water, especially in areas where drinking water is drawn from untreated rivers and boreholes.[2]

• Once the pollutants are identified, treatment processes need to be developed, and the focus of my group’s research is the use of environmentally-friendly nanomaterials such as absorbents and fillers in membrane systems, as potential next-generation water treatment methods that can be used in rural areas.[3]

• Seeing students under my supervision publish papers and graduate, and others winning national and international awards are standout moments for me, as much as seeing former students that I mentored excel in their workplaces.[4]