The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is proud to announce that academic Dr Taurai Mutanda has been profiled as an Emerging researcher on the National Research Foundation (NRF) website recently. With many of his projects funded by the NRF, Dr Mutanda has conducted research on various topics and has published approximately nine articles between 2009 and 2011.
Dr Mutanda said he was humbled by this recognition. “I was so excited to have been recognised this way and also for the great exposure for myself, the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) and the DUT community at large.”
“This acknowledgement will act as an impetus in my research activities. I will definitely keep the momentum for acquisition and contribution to knowledge through meaningful research.”
He attributes his improved publication record and the progress made in his research projects to collaborative research, team work and adequate funding.
Dr Mutanda joined the institution in 2008. He is currently a Research Associate funded by the NRF, Claude Leon Foundation and DUT. He is working on the Algal Technology project under the supervision of Professor Faizal Bux (Director, IWWT). The topic focuses on the Production of microalgal biomass and lipids for biodiesel production. They are conducting further investigation and experimentation on Chlorella sp, a hyper-lipid microalgal strain.
According to Professor Bux, this research can be considered novel in the South African context. “Dr Mutanda has displayed substantial passion towards his research and has the potential to develop into an expert in the field,” commented Bux.
Dr Mutanda obtained his BSc (Honours) in Biological Sciences and MSc degree in Biotechnology at the University of Zimbabwe. He completed his PhD at Rhodes University in 2007.
Born in Zaka District, Masvingo Province in Zimbabwe he is the third born in a family of three boys and six girls. Also a family man, he is married to Mary Mutanda who is currently completing her MTech at DUT.
Adding to his accolades, Dr Mutanda is contributing two chapters to a book edited by Professor Bux. He is also co-supervising two DTech students and an MTech student. Independently, he is involved in the Rainwater harvesting project.
