Boitumelo Mabakachaba

This successful young scientist explains the background to her project as follows: Current energy sources, which primarily rely on coal, petroleum, and other fossil fuels, are unsustainable in a world with high demand of clean energy and limited access to raw materials. Countries that have these fossil fuels are geographically distant from mining regions, which results in conflict of access and control. In addition, the prevailing energy economy adds significantly to carbon byproducts and therefore the deterioration of air quality and climate change. 

 

She cites South Africa as a prime example of a country trying, unsuccessfully, to meet energy demands, resulting in negative impact on livelihoods and the economy.

“These concerns,” she explains, “can be addressed by a hydrogen-driven economy.”

 

However, she is quick to point out the potential risks due to the explosive nature of hydrogen. Generation, storage, transportation, and usage have challenges – and this is where her research becomes pivotal. 

 

“To make the transition successful one of the most important piece of equipment required is the H2 gas sensor. This project therefore involves the development of the H2 gas sensor which will primarily monitor and detect any potential leaks when handling hydrogen gas.” The goal of this project is to create a 1-D nano-sensing device that will monitor and detect any potential leaks below the lowest detection limit of hydrogen to address safety concerns in the production or generation of hydrogen, hydrogen storage, hydrogen distribution, and hydrogen utilization. 

 

Success in the establishment of precautionary measures, such as the H2 gas sensors, will fast track the inclusion of hydrogen gas to the energy mix. This will in turn help the move towards affordable and clean energy and address the carbon dioxide footprint.

 

“South African’s economy may significantly benefit from the diversification of the energy sources. In order to restore day-to-day production of goods and services back to normal, South Africa needs reliable, clean and sustainable energy mix,” she explains. “I was motivated to take on this project because of the seemingly unending energy crisis South Africa has been experiencing year in year out. As a young scientist, developing and fast-tracking alternative solutions for such issues is where the passion lies and is part of what I am trained to do.”

She points out the added benefit: the material (VO2 ) which is used in this study is made from Vanadium. With South Africa being the third largest vanadium-producing country in the world, there would be a valuable cost-cutting advantage in the development of H2  gas sensors. 

 

High achievement has been the hallmark of her scientific journey, from her participation in the Targeting Talent programme at WITS when she was at high school, to a cum laude MSc and a myriad of accolades along the way.

 

Boitumelo is determined to make significant contributions to the scientific and research and development community through her research. In addition, she’s planning to complete her PhD in record time – and along the way, she’s focusing on giving back to the community and country at large. “I would like to grow and gain more knowledge and

skills as a research scientist by either embarking on a postdoctoral program or find suitable employment within the research and development sector and collaborate or network with other researchers in the African continent and beyond. I would also like to give back to my communities either through mentoring young girls with interest in science or volunteer to teach and enrich the minds of our future generations in rural areas my country and Africa at large.” 

 

She is currently pursuing her PhD studies at the University of the Western Cape, thousands of miles away from the small township of Senwamokgope in the Limpopo province, where she grew up. She acknowledges the responsibility that is on her shoulders, as a successful female scientist: “I am honored to be one of the female scientists to ever exist in an era where there are countless opportunities for women to pursue their ambitions and embark in careers, they are brazenly passionate about. 

My journey as a female scientist has been challenging and tough at times but also

rewarding. I am proud to say that I am in the front lines. It is the most humbling experience, and it also means I have a huge responsibility for paving ways for many young women to take careers in science. Currently women in science make up less than 30 percent of the science community and this needs to change.” 

 

Many women featured in her acknowledgement list: she explains that her mother, Mokgadi Mabakachaba, is “… always in the forefront with the brightest pompoms, cheering for me, even when she sometimes doesn’t understand what I’m doing.”

 

She also acknowledges her grandmother for raising her into becoming the strong and courageous woman she is today and several mentors, supervisors, and friends along the way.

 

Finally, Boitumelo wants to encourage others.

“In the world filled with endless questions, science continues to produce many of the answers. Young girls should take up space and make the science field their playground because we are all equally capable to embark on studies which were previously dominated by males and outshine or perform just as exceptionally as they have done for many years.”

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