Dr. Mandla Vincent Khumalo | Marine Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Lecture/Researcher | Nelson Mandela University | South Africa

Vincent Mandla Khumalo is a dedicated academic and researcher from South Africa, specializing in Polymer Technology. With a passion for advancing polymer sciences, he has made significant contributions to the field through teaching, research, and innovative applications. His extensive experience encompasses both industry and academia, where he currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University.

Profile

Scholar

Strengths for the Award 🏆

Vincent holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Polymer Technology, showcasing a solid foundation in his field. He has published numerous articles in reputable journals, demonstrating his active engagement in research. His work on nanocomposites and biodegradable materials highlights his contributions to advancing polymer technology.

His collaborations with international researchers and participation in global conferences indicate his recognition within the international research community. As a Senior Lecturer, he is involved in teaching and supervising postgraduate students, fostering the next generation of researchers.

His experience in project management and research coordination at various institutions, including CSIR, shows his ability to lead and manage complex research initiatives.

Vincent’s work spans various aspects of polymer technology, including sustainability and material science, reflecting a broad and relevant scope.

Education 🎓

Vincent completed his Doctorate in Polymer Technology at Tshwane University of Technology from 2012 to 2017, focusing on the structural and mechanical properties of thermoplastic nanocomposites. He also holds a Master’s degree in the same field (2009-2012) and has a solid foundation with a National Higher Diploma and a National Diploma in Polymer Technology, both from Tshwane University of Technology.

Experience 💼

Vincent’s career spans various roles, including his position as a Polymer Technician at the CSIR and a Production Superintendent at Petzetakis Africa. He has transitioned to academia as a Senior Lecturer, where he facilitates multimodal teaching in Polymer and Rubber Technology, supervises postgraduate research, and engages in both national and international research networks.

Research Interests 🔬

His research interests lie in the development of polymer nanocomposites, biodegradability, and the innovative use of biopolymers. Vincent is particularly focused on the mechanical and thermal properties of polymer materials, and he aims to contribute to sustainable practices in polymer technology.

Awards 🏆

Vincent has been recognized for his contributions to the field, although specific awards were not detailed. His continuous engagement in academic and research communities reflects his commitment to excellence and innovation in Polymer Technology.

Publications 📚

Polyethylene/synthetic boehmite alumina nanocomposites: structure, thermal and rheological properties
Authors: VM Khumalo, J Karger-Kocsis, R Thomann
Year: 2010
Citations: 72

Curdlan-conjugated PLGA nanoparticles possess macrophage stimulant activity and drug delivery capabilities
Authors: M Tukulula, R Hayeshi, P Fonteh, D Meyer, A Ndamase, MT Madziva, …
Year: 2015
Citations: 62

Thermal, viscoelastic and mechanical behavior of polypropylene with synthetic boehmite alumina nanoparticles
Authors: D Pedrazzoli, VM Khumalo, J Karger-Kocsis, A Pegoretti
Year: 2014
Citations: 48

Polyethylene/synthetic boehmite alumina nanocomposites: structure, mechanical, and perforation impact properties
Authors: VM Khumalo, J Karger-Kocsis, R Thomann
Year: 2011
Citations: 31

On the toughness of thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites as assessed by the essential work of fracture (EWF) approach
Authors: J Karger-Kocsis, VM Khumalo, T Bárány, L Mészáros, A Pegoretti
Year: 2013
Citations: 24

Mechanical and rheological response of polypropylene/boehmite nanocomposites
Authors: D Pedrazzoli, F Tuba, VM Khumalo, A Pegoretti, J Karger-Kocsis
Year: 2014
Citations: 23

Development of antifungal films based on low‐density polyethylene and thyme oil for avocado packaging
Authors: SK Pillai, L Maubane, S Sinha Ray, V Khumalo, M Bill, D Sivakumar
Year: 2016
Citations: 18

Characterization of polypropylene/polystyrene boehmite alumina nanocomposites: Impact of filler surface modification on the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties
Authors: T Malwela, VM Khumalo, R Salehiyan, SS Ray
Year: 2018
Citations: 17

Essential work of fracture of poly (ϵ‐caprolactone)/boehmite alumina nanocomposites: Effect of surface coating
Authors: F Tuba, VM Khumalo, J Karger‐Kocsis
Year: 2013
Citations: 17

Effect of organoclay on the properties of maleic‐anhydride grafted polypropylene and poly (methyl methacrylate) blend
Authors: MJ Hato, TE Motaung, HJ Choi, M Scriba, VM Khumalo, T Malwela
Year: 2017
Citations: 14

Conclusion 🌍

Vincent Mandla Khumalo exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in Polymer Technology. His extensive publication record, commitment to teaching, and international collaborations position him as a significant contributor to the field. By focusing on areas such as grant acquisition and public engagement, he could further enhance his impact and recognition. Overall, he is a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award“, with a promising trajectory for continued contributions to polymer science and technology.

Strengths for the Award

Ms. Sahar Chebaane’s work in marine ecology, specifically on non-indigenous marine species (NIS), demonstrates significant contributions to marine bioinvasion monitoring and management. Her extensive research across multiple regions, such as the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf, is particularly valuable given the global challenge of invasive species in marine environments. Leading projects like the first MarineGEO site in Tunisia and developing innovative tools such as the Remote Video Foraging System (RVFS) shows her capacity for innovation and leadership. With 17 publications in indexed journals and active participation in international collaborations, her work is impactful and policy-relevant.

🌊 Short Bio

Ms. Sahar Chebaane is a dedicated marine ecologist and PhD student at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, focusing on marine bioinvasions in coastal ecosystems. With expertise in non-indigenous species (NIS), she has contributed to several high-impact publications and ongoing international collaborations. Sahar is currently a research visitor at KAUST, working on projects in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. She also leads the first MarineGEO site in the southern Mediterranean, focusing on biosecurity and marine conservation efforts.

🎓 Education

Sahar holds a dual master’s degree in Biodiversity and Marine Sciences, coupled with an international PhD from the University of Lisbon. Her academic journey is marked by strong interdisciplinary expertise, which she applies in both marine ecology and biosecurity frameworks. Her current PhD research extends her deep understanding of NIS and their impact on local ecosystems.

💼 Experience

Sahar has played a pivotal role in 8 completed research projects and is actively engaged in updating species lists of ascidians and NIS in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. She also leads consultancy projects related to biodiversity monitoring and NIS management, applying cutting-edge tools like the Remote Video Foraging System (RVFS). As the Principal Investigator for the MarineGEO site in Tunisia, she drives sustainable management practices and oversees field deployments of the SERC protocol.

🔬 Research Interest

Her research centers on the impacts of non-indigenous species (NIS), particularly in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Red Sea regions. She is interested in how NIS interact with local marine ecosystems, developing innovative methods for risk assessments and biosecurity. Her work also focuses on ecological interactions, which inform conservation strategies and policies to manage invasive species more effectively.

📚 Publications

A Preliminary Inventory of Alien and Cryptogenic Species in Monastir Bay, Tunisia (2019) – Published in Mediterranean Marine Science, cited by 26 articles. Read here.
Prompt: Spatial distribution and pathways of invasive species in Tunisia.

From Plates to Baits: Using a Remote Video Foraging System to Study NIS Dynamics (2022) – Published in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, cited by 12 articles. Read here.
Prompt: Innovation in studying non-indigenous species with RVFS.

The First Record of Brown Macroalga Rugulopteryx Okamurae in Madeira Island (2022) – Published by REABIC, cited by 11 articles. Read here.
Prompt: First sightings of invasive macroalgae in the Madeira Archipelago.

A New Signal of Tropicalization in the Northeast Atlantic: Spread of Spotfin Burrfish (2021) – Published in Diversity, cited by 8 articles. Read here.
Prompt: Expansion of tropical fish in the Northeast Atlantic.

New Record of Invasive Amphipod Caprella Scaura in Tunisia (2018) – Published in Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment, cited by 8 articles. Read here.
Prompt: First reported sighting of an invasive amphipod species in North Africa.

📝 Conclusion

Sahar Chebaane is a prominent figure in marine ecology, specializing in bioinvasions and non-indigenous species management. Her multidisciplinary approach and innovative methods, such as using the RVFS for NIS dynamics, have made significant contributions to both academic research and practical conservation efforts. Her leadership in the MarineGEO project and ongoing collaborations reflect her commitment to marine conservation and sustainable management practices across global regions.

Mandla Vincent Khumalo | Marine Chemistry | Best Researcher Award