BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
Professor Tebogo Phetla Mashifana is an Associate Professor, Researcher, 4IR Brand Ambassador and Head of Department – Chemical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
She obtained a Doctor of Philosophy PhD in Civil Engineering, a Master of Science (MSc) Cum-laude in Chemical Engineering, a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Cum-laude in Chemical Engineering, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, and a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Industry all from the University of Johannesburg. She also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Regent Business School.
She has published more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters. Additionally, she has received several awards including the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Award for the promising young teacher of the year, the Dean’s Award for the top achieving staff member in the Faculty of Engineering, and the National Research Foundation (NRF) Award for Emerging Researchers.
Prof. Tebogo Mashifana is a Professional Engineering Technologist registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
She is a Golden Key International Honour Society Honorary member, a Goodwill Global Ambassador, an Advocate for Education and STEM, and a founding member of Dr Tebogo Mashifana and Partners Foundation, an organization focusing on community upliftment projects and youth empowerment.
Prof. Tebogo Mashifana is also a successful Entrepreneur and Innovator, she devotes her time to mentor and encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM and empower them through skill transfer and human capacity development.
“I spent hours in the lab. I had to be dirty, I had to sweat. I had to do this while I was also employed full time. During the day I will be in the classroom lecturing and in the evening I will be in the lab carrying samples.”
“Being the first to arrive at the campus and the last to leave was my new normal. I worked in the lab, standing, until my feet got swollen.”
“You have to be willing to be at your lowest, to be able to rise to your higher level. Whatever your low may be, endure and embrace the process. You’re being refined and prepared to the best version of yourself,” said Prof. Tebogo Phetla Mashifana.
Image: LinkedIn
