Darric Reeves Rickeelal has demonstrated one of his studies components, a chemical reaction- “what you put in is what you get out.” Indeed, he has reaped the reward for his hard work as he will be graduating Cum Laude for his National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Spring Graduation, which will be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
“This achievement is the sweet fruits of my hard efforts at my studies. Graduating Cum Laude is a big but welcome surprise. However, as I think of this achievement, I am convinced that like a chemical reaction, what you put in is what you get out, which is an equivalent exchange,’’ said Rickeelal.
He also highlighted how his family was proud of his academic success and how DUT ENVISION20230 has channeled him into his achievement.
“My family’s reaction included a mixture of shock and pride. Excellence and integrity are the living values that I resonate most with DUT. These values form the core of my character along with honesty and critical thinking,’’ added Rickeelal.
The Merebank born has always prided himself on his high affinity for thought provoking subjects such as Mathematics and Sciences, which was evident in the numerous accolades he had accumulated through his high school career such as interschool MATH AMESA quizzes, Olympiads and general academic awards.
Therefore, his journey at DUT was an obvious decision. He knew he would resonate with the subject matters and working materials. Rickeelal is currently the lab technician for KZN Resins Pty Ltd which is a resin manufacturer in Durban South, Prospecton.
His duties entail the control and supervision of the ISO 9001 quality control and research and development laboratories. Apart from supervising a lab team of five individuals. He also sees to the maintenance and calibration of the laboratory’s equipment’s such as analytical balances, kinematic viscometers, moisture analyzers, temperature-controlled heating baths etc.
Furthermore, Rickeelal is also involved on an ongoing project at KZN Resins whereby the aim is to determine a suitable eco-friendly catalyst which would depolymerize post consumer polyethylene terephthalate.
Whilst working and gaining experience Rickeelal is planning on furthering his diploma into an Advanced Diploma in Aanalytical Chemistry. “I also aspire to do a qualification in Quality Control which can possibly lead me down the path of becoming a Quality ISO Auditor,’’ he added.
He also shared a piece of advice to the first-year students who are in pursuit of a chemistry qualification.
“The most important tool at our disposal is information. Information that can not be put on a graph and be statistically analysed is pointless. My suggestion to them would be to become a sponge and soak in as much knowledge as possible,’’ he concluded.
Pictured: Darric Reeves Rickeelal who will be graduating Cum Laude at the (DUT) Spring Graduation on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
Vukani Langa
