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| Dr Patricia Popoola, one of top researchers at Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) |
The NRF-rated researcher (C3-category) scooped the National Research Foundation (NRF) competitive rated Researcher grants from 2015 - 2017 totalling R 920, 000. In addition to these grants, she also received two others from the CSIR-NLC and the ALC- CSIR, to the value of R240, 600 and R 126, 200, respectively.
“There is no continuity in research without grants. In my line of work grants mean further research, great opportunities to contribute to knowledge to the community as well as industry. More importantly, it means I can keep on mentoring students and producing the next generation of researchers and global leaders.
I couldn’t be happier, I feel truly blessed,” she says.
The 48 year-old was born in Lagos, Nigeria, where she commenced her tertiary education and obtained a BSc (Honours) degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
She then furthered her studies at TUT, where she received her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Metallurgical Engineering.
Dr Popoola started her career at TUT in 2003 as a part-time lecturer in Metallurgy.
She says: “My research interest lies in advanced surface engineering of metallic materials where different state-of-the-art techniques, such as laser materials processing, thermal and cold spray processes, coupled with corrosion inhibition, are used to combat corrosion, as well as wear and fatigue degradation of metallic alloys and components.”
This remarkable academic has a total of 170 publications to her name, consisting of accredited journals and conference papers.
One of her research highlights was when one of her papers that tackled problems inherent in the use of lasers, was at the top of the most downloaded and read papers of the Journal of Laser Application in July 2011. Also, the Laser Institute of America highlighted this paper on their website for laser users and investors. It brought international recognition for TUT and the CSIR.
She serves as a reviewer for several journals and international conferences.
Dr Popoola also boasts different local and international research collaborations.
She was invited by the Chinese Advanced Materials Society, along with the International Union of Advanced Materials, to deliver lectures to promote the development and advancement of materials science, among others.
Her numerous academic excellence awards, include being named TUT’s Senior Researcher (2013) and Woman Researcher (2011, 2012 and 2013).
With all these achievements, she says she prides herself mostly on mentoring students.
“Imparting skills and knowledge to students is critical for alleviation of poverty and sufferings,” she adds.
The beaming mentor adds that her students have received numerous awards from R&I TUT, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and from industry.
She has already produced ten Master’s and two Doctoral graduates at TUT and one PhD graduate from an international university in Nigeria.
“All my students have been mentored to be top researchers in the field,” she brags.
Currently, she is supervising two PhD students from different international universities.
A break from work includes spending quality time with her husband and four children whom she absolutely adores.
Her advice to prospective scientists: “Hard work, assiduousness and dedication, coupled with patience, are crucial for success,” she concludes.
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