Women’s Month: Research that transforms lives and inspires future scientists

Dr Nodumo Zulu from the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Department of Chemical Engineering has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to the scientific field with a nomination by the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) for the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher.

Women in rural areas have always played an important role in improving the overall lives and well-being of their families and communities. Dr Zulu is an outstanding example of the power that women from these often-overlooked areas can have in changing not only their immediate environment, but the world at large.

Born and raised in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal,  Dr Zulu has always had an interest in science and the possibilities that it can unlock for those living in less developed areas, both in South Africa and further afield.

“Having grown up in a rural area, I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of science to address the challenges in accessing basic needs and necessities such as water and electricity,” she explained.

“When I was at school, my interests were really in life sciences. I was just fascinated by how I could actually use what I’ve learned in life sciences to contribute to making conditions better for everyone who lives in these places.”

From curiosity to career

Although she didn’t have much insight into what biotechnology involved,  Zulu’s father encouraged her to explore studying and working in this quickly evolving field; something she’s thankful for, as his encouragement was the foundation on which she has been able to build a rewarding career in the space.

“My father recognised my interest in life sciences and encouraged me to explore biotechnology. I had very limited knowledge of what it was at the time, but he persuaded me, and his guidance set me on the right path. I’m really grateful for his advice because I’ve had the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects since I’ve been on this journey,” she said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects since I’ve been on this journey.”

One such project was developing biological control agents that can be used to reduce solid waste in pit latrines. These toilets are common in both rural and informal settlements throughout South Africa, and present major challenges for sanitation and safety. Having a hand in solving this problem is something that  Zulu is, rightfully, extremely proud of.

“Coming from a rural setting where pit latrines are used and going to CSIR [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research] to develop this biological control agent that we could apply and see the results in real life – that was really fulfilling,” she recalled.

Unlocking biotechnological potential

During her time at the CSIR, Zulu was exposed to various projects that opened her eyes to the true potential of biotechnology and bioprocess engineering, particularly as it relates to algae, a field that she was delighted to dive deeper into when she received the prestigious Marie Curie Scholarship that enabled her to complete her PhD at the University of Göttingen in Germany.

“Just before my PhD, I was part of a project where we were sampling river bodies across South Africa and attempting to isolate different algal strains. When I got to do my PhD in Germany, that’s when I really started focusing on manipulating the lipid metabolism in microalgae through genetic engineering,” she explained.

Speaking about the broad application of this science is where  Zulu truly lights up. Talking about these tiny yet powerful eukaryotic organisms, there can be no doubt in one’s mind about her passion not only for science but making a difference in the world.

“You can treat wastewater and then the extra biomass from that wastewater can be used as fertiliser.”

“There are so many important applications of algae. The process gives us the ability to recover valuable products – like phycocyanin, which is a blue-green pigment, omega-3 fatty acids and the remaining biomass – can be used to generate a variety of products.

“For example, we can use the phycocyanin in the biopharmaceutical sector and the cosmetic health spaces. We can also produce biofuels for the energy sector. You can treat wastewater and then the extra biomass from that wastewater can be used as fertiliser. Algae can also be used as a platform to produce recombinant proteins, with applications in the vaccine space,” she said.

Inspiring the next generation

In addition to the far-reaching application of her research and her undeniable passion for her field of study,  Zulu is also deeply invested in developing South Africa’s future scientific minds.

“I’ve had the privilege of welcoming talented graduate students from across South Africa into our CeBER [Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research] labs, where we’ve shared the exciting world of bioprocess engineering with them. We are grateful to the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation and the SAMRC [South African Medical Research Council] for their vision in creating this programme and partnering with us to make it a reality.

“Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists through a similar initiative with UVU Bio, which focused on empowering matriculants to pursue careers in this field.

“We need people with these skills, so I’m trying to spark passion and inspire young people, especially from my background to get involved in the field. There are so many places where we could use the skills and knowledge produced by this field to make life better where we come from, so I’d like to encourage these young people to choose this area of study,” she explained.

It’s no doubt this deep dedication to her craft as well as her vision for building a better future for all that have earned her the nomination for the NSTF award as well as the other outstanding accolades she has achieved throughout her career as a woman in science thus far.