Credit: Unisa.Ac.Za
Dr. Suvania Naidoo, Head of Teaching and Learning, Community Engagement, and Student Support at the College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa is breaking new ground in the realm of environmental research.
Recently chosen to represent South Africa in the esteemed Young Female Scientist Programme, Dr. Naidoo has become a source of inspiration in the field.
You will also like...
Established in 2020 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in collaboration with Okayama University in Japan, the program aims to harness the talents of young women to bolster human capital in science, technology, and innovation (STI) fields in developing nations.
The initiative seeks to contribute to the realization of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through educational programs.
Dr. Naidoo’s participation in the program is not only a personal triumph but also a notable advancement for researchers challenging norms in fields traditionally dominated by the natural sciences.
Reflecting on her experience, she expressed, “Being part of the Young Female Scientist Programme was a tremendous honour.
My time at Okayama University not only fostered collaboration between the natural and social sciences crucial for SDG achievement but was also culturally significant.”
With a research focus on water and environmental management, particularly the mining industry’s impact on water quality, Dr. Naidoo stands out as a trailblazer.
During her tenure at Okayama University from November to December 2023, she engaged in cutting-edge research activities centered around the theme “Towards a Co-creation of Sustainable Human-Nature Hybrids: Asian and African Perspectives.”
Going beyond the laboratory, Dr. Naidoo visited Teshima Island in Japan, where she observed the restoration of a site previously affected by illegal toxic waste.
Drawing parallels between Teshima’s experience and South Africa’s environmental challenges stemming from mining, she identified valuable insights and best practices that could revolutionize environmental rehabilitation in her home country.
What’s your impression of this story?
