Lizzy Kekana

I hold a PhD in Chemical engineering and I have experience in both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, including synthesis, characterization and testing of catalysts. I have experience with wet chemistry and analysis using different analytical tools. I have knowledge in business development which was acquired from Chemcity Sasol now known as Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD), where I was involved in waste and green energy projects and liaising with clients on different technical related projects.

I have excellent technical report writing and presentation skills. I work well in a team and individually as well as under pressurized environment. My Ph.D. was based on a project involving industrial agricultural waste, biomass, to valuable products at CSIR Biorefinery Industrial Development Facility (BIDF) and the department of chemical engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

I am a very hard working individual who seeks opportunities in different sectors of different business units. I always work in ISO standard related laboratories to ensure competence, quality and reliability of the results obtained.

Scientist - Protechnik Laboratories, a division of Armscor

(2023-03 - 2025-07)

• Analytical support of the South African National Defence Force from chemical warfare agents
• Verifying and analysing the newly synthesized chemical warfare agents
• Analysis of toxic industrial chemicals
• Sample preparation from different matrix
• Participation in the environmental Proficiency Test
• Testing of different products from external clients for quality assurance
• Liaising with different clients on different project
• Internal auditing course
• Laboratory system course
• Project management course
• Basic Application and Operation Training on Agilent 1290 Infinity 6460 LC QQQ with MassHunter
• ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems
• Technical Report Writing and Presentation Skills for Engineers and Technical Professionals

PhD Candidate, Chemical engineering - CSIR- Biorefinery Industry Development Facility and University of KwaZulu Natal

(2019-11 - 2023-12)

• Biorefinery Industry Development Facility at CSIR performing research
• Performing research about converting waste into valuable chemicals and products in the ISO accredited laboratory
• The research was based on "Characterization and analysis of keratinous material from waste chicken feathers as protein ingredient for animal feed"
• Performing characterization and analysis of the new product with high-class equipment's
• Scientific report writing and presentations
• Published articles online

Research - CSIR– Material Science and Manufacturing: National Centre for NanoStructured Materials (NCNSM)

(2017-01 - 2018-01)

Reason for leaving: Contract

• Laboratory work in the Cosmetic formulations (Nanoclay- based)
• Synthesis and characterisation of intercalated layered double hydroxides for cosmetic purposes
• Research group work participation
• Laboratory Report writing
• Presenting and participating in group presentations

Scientist in training - Sasol ChemCity: Technology Development and Innovation

(2013-01 - 2015-03)

Reason for leaving: Retrenchment

• I was supporting entrepreneurs with the development of opportunities which are chemical, waste and green energy related and are linked to different Sasol Business Units
• The projects opportunities involved different chemical technologies, which included waste water treatment technologies, new fuel energy sources and treatments of chemical waste to green energy sources
• Assist Sasol Suppliers towards improvement and growth of their businesses
• Present the entrepreneurs requests to management
• Writing reports back about different projects
• Doing research and writing technology landscape about different projects
• Comparing technologies which are in the market with the new upcoming technologies
• Interpreting the data
• Safety officer: SHE training was provided

Demonstrating and Tutoring - University of Cape Town

(2007-01 - 2012-10)

Reason for leaving: Job Offer

• Worked in a non-profitable organisation
• Postgraduate research experience
• Tutoring high school learner's mathematics and science
• Demonstrating and Tutoring first year chemistry students
• Working with people through volunteering

Pre-graduate Training - Sasol R&D

(2006-12 - 2007-02)

Reason for leaving: Pre-graduate Training

• Working in the laboratory: preparation, synthesis and analysis of complexes, ligands and catalysts
• Testing of the complexes and catalysts
• Homogeneous catalysis-oligomerization, and heterogeneous catalysis Fisher-Tropsch Synthesis
• Wet chemistry and analysis using analytical methods
• Background in a petrochemical industry research

Residential Chemistry Training - Glaxo Smithkline, United Kingdom - United Kingdom

(2008-01-13 - 2008-01-20)

Reason for leaving: Residential Training

• Training experience in the United Kingdom which included:
• Working in a group
• Presentation Preparation
• Work Interview preparation
• Research in a work place
• Experience in research in pharmaceutical laboratories

Sales Person - Sterns Jewelery

(2005-12 - 2006-02)

Reason for leaving: December holiday work

• Assisting customers in a jewellery shop and doing sales and marketing

Ph.D.

• Chemical Engineering - University of KwaZulu Natal (2019 - 2023)

MSc.

• Chemistry - University of Cape Town (2008 - 2010)

BSc. Honours - Chemistry - University of Cape Town (2007 - 2007)

BSc. Degree - Chemistry - University of Cape Town (2004 - 2006)

Matric- Senior certificate - Reitumetse High School (2003 - 2003)