Siyanda Mazibuko
Position: Student Assistant
Prior to joining the office of Research Development, Siyanda worked as a Mandela First Year Success student leader. In this role he assisted first year students in transitioning from high school to university, by giving them the tools, resources, and guidance to excel in the ever-evolving and dynamic environment of Nelson Mandela University.
Siyanda joined RD team in August 2022 as a student assistant, primarily providing administrative support to Imtiaz Khan and Terry Adams. In this role, Siyanda interacts with and assists researchers and students with their various queries related to emerging research, research ethics, as well as external Masters and Doctoral Postgraduate Scholarships
Having obtained a BSc degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Microbiology at Nelson Mandela University in 2021, Siyanda is still a Mandela student and is currently pursuing a Biochemistry Honours degree. His project, in collaboration with the Water Research Commission, aims to establish baseline levels of antibiotic resistance in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Through this project, it is hoped that awareness levels will be raised on the extent of antibiotic resistance in the Eastern Cape, which will ultimately impact wastewater treatment plant practices as well as clinical policies. After obtaining his Honours degree, Siyanda plans to further expand his project in pursuit of an MSc in Biochemistry from 2023, whilst continuing in his role providing administrative support to the office of Research and Development.