Laboratory Technician and manager, Academic Supporter – Education Sector at Herschel Association (2022-09 – Present)
- Managed and maintained laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Set up and coordinated practical sessions for students, including exam practicals and regular lab activities.
- Trained and guided teachers and students on laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and experiment execution.
- Monitored compliance with safety standards and implemented improvements to minimize risks.
- Assisted in planning and organizing educational programs, workshops, and lab demonstrations.
- Acted as a point of contact for lab-related queries, ensuring effective communication between staff, students, and administration.
Quality Control / Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician at Freddy Hirsch (2019-12 – 2022-06)
- Conducted quality control and assurance testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
- Managed laboratory operations, including sample preparation, equipment calibration, and maintenance.
- Monitored and documented test results, prepared reports, and assisted in resolving quality issues.
- Implemented SOPs and ensured adherence to laboratory safety and hygiene protocols.
- Trained and supported junior lab staff in testing techniques, data recording, and safety procedures.
- Collaborated with production and management teams to maintain consistent product quality and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Research and development (Masters and honours) at University of Cape Town (2016 – 2018)
- Conducted independent research in organic and medicinal chemistry, including the synthesis, purification, and characterization of novel organic compounds.
- Developed and optimized silica gel column chromatography methods by selecting and refining solvent systems to achieve efficient purification of synthesized compounds.
- Optimized chromatographic separations by adjusting mobile phase compositions and solvent polarity to improve compound resolution and purification efficiency.
- Monitored purification processes using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and interpreted chromatographic results to guide fraction collection.
- Characterized synthesized compounds using advanced analytical instrumentation, including NMR (¹H and ¹³C), FTIR, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, HPLC, and GC-MS.
- Performed analytical data interpretation and verified compound identity, purity, and structural integrity.
- Recorded experimental procedures, observations, and analytical results in detailed laboratory notebooks.
- Conducted literature reviews and used scientific publications to support experimental design and problem-solving.
- Presented research findings through written reports, scientific presentations, and dissertation work.
Laboratory Technical Support, Practical Demonstrator & Tutor at University of Cape Town (2016 – 2018)
- Provided technical support in undergraduate chemistry laboratories, ensuring smooth operation of experiments.
- Set up and demonstrated practical experiments, guiding students through procedures and reinforcing theoretical concepts.
- Tutored undergraduate students in chemistry and mathematics, offering academic support and problem-solving guidance.
- Monitored laboratory sessions to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Assisted lecturers in preparing practical assessments, marking assignments, and supporting curriculum delivery.
- Mentored students to build confidence in laboratory techniques and scientific problem-solving.
