The South African Chemical Institute plays a leading role in promoting professional competence, scientific integrity, and international collaboration while advancing diversity, inclusivity, and equity within the chemical sciences.
The Institute is committed to supporting excellence in chemical sciences across academic, industrial, and government institutions while strengthening the profession through credible scientific research and innovation.
"I am grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to working with colleagues to strengthen chemistry, support the next generation of scientists, and advance the impact of our profession," said Dr Khanyile.
Advancing Research and Scientific Leadership
Dr Khanyile's research focuses on nanotechnology, green chemistry, environmental remediation, and water treatment applications. She is particularly interested in developing materials that can improve everyday life.
Her PhD research focused on developing colourimetric sensors using gold nanoparticles hosted in electrospun nanofibres to detect dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.
In addition to her research activities, Dr Khanyile has held several leadership positions at UMP. She serves as Chairperson of the Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, represents the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences on several committees, including the Faculty Postgraduates Committee and the Faculty Research & Innovation Committee, and leads the Nanomaterial Research Group.
An accomplished academic, researcher, and mentor with more than a decade of experience in higher education, Dr Khanyile has led large undergraduate programmes and coordinated chemistry modules across multiple programmes in three Schools.
She also encourages more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), emphasising that they have the same opportunities as their male counterparts to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Dr Khanyile believes that women in leadership positions should support one another and work together to strengthen organisations and create opportunities for future generations.
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