Justine Moodley, a 31-year-old born and raised in Durban, is a testament to resilience and determination. Moodley is one of the Faculty of Applied Science’s top achievers who graduated Cum Laude for her Master Applied Science in Biotechnology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, which took place at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Monday, 19 May 2025.
“The master’s journey taught me to tackle challenges head-on and take ownership of my work. I’ve gained confidence in my research skills and my capabilities as an individual. The most fulfilling aspect of completing my degree is proving to myself that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to and complete it with excellence,” expressed Moodley.
With over 11 years of experience in the water industry, her passion for science and commitment to improving water quality have been the driving forces behind her exceptional academic and professional journey.
Moodley’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology, followed by her registration as a professional natural scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). Her achievements include winning the Best Technical Manuscript Award for Chemical Testing at the National Laboratory Association Conference in 2018 and completing the prestigious Young Professionals Leadership programme at Duke University, North Carolina, in 2019. Currently working as a laboratory technician in microbiology, Moodley was encouraged by both her university and work supervisors to pursue her master’s degree, which has now culminated in her remarkable Cum Laude success.
Sharing on her research for her master’s dissertation, Moodley indicated that her topic is titled: Survival of Waterborne Enteric Viruses in the Msunduzi River in Pietermaritzburg. Her research centres on detecting enteric viruses in water, with a specific focus on how human activities influence their distribution in freshwater environments. The Msunduzi River in Pietermaritzburg served as her study area, where she explored the survival rates of these viruses in the water system. Through her work, Moodley established a potential routine method for detecting waterborne viruses, a step that could help improve water safety and public health.
Despite significant challenges, including procurement delays, frequent management changes, and the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, her determination never wavered. She worked long hours and maintained her focus, pushing through these obstacles with unwavering persistence. Her research became an opportunity to learn, adapt, and innovate under challenging conditions.
Through her master’s studies, she learned the value of persistence and resilience, not just as a student but as an individual. “I credit my academic success to the personal growth I experienced during my research journey-learning to embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities for development,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Moodley aims to expand her impact in the water sector. Her research has deepened her understanding of the virology field, which has seen a growing interest and importance in recent years. She hopes to transition into full-time research, applying her findings to improve water management strategies, public health, and environmental microbiology.
Her vision is to make a significant contribution to water safety and virology, helping authorities and health professionals gain critical insights to manage and treat waterborne diseases more effectively.
Her sterling advice to future students are to never give up, no matter how hard it gets.
“Be prepared to hit speedbumps along the way; those are the very things that will push you to work harder and develop as a person. The reward is greater than the sacrifice,” she advises.
She further encourages future students to maintain faith in their abilities, especially when faced with uncertainty.”
The obstacles you encounter can often lead to the most meaningful accomplishments,” she said.
Pictured: Justine Moodley
Silindile Buthelezi
