Dr Millicent Kekana

University of Limpopo

Nominee's Province:
Limpopo

Age:
34

Project Name/Description:
Zoology Lecturer at the University of Limpopo

More info:

Dr Millicent Kekena says admiring nature from a young age encouraged her to pursue studies in Zoology. “I have always loved nature and my research revolves around the protection of natural habitats and the organisms that live in it,” she says. Her interest in the field of Zoology was further sparked during her undergraduate years when they dissected and viewed different types of animals during practical sessions. Dr Kekana, who was born in Mapela-Ga-Mabusela in Mokopane in the Waterberg District of Limpopo and raised in Zebediela-Mathibela within Capricorn District of Limpopo, says she will forever be grateful to her former lecturer Prof Antoinette Jooste (retired) for motivating her to always aim high. From UL, Dr Kekana holds a BSc degree in Zoology and Physiology, Honours in Zoology, Masters in Zoology and PhD in Zoology. Her PhD was obtained between UL and Antwerp University (Belgium) through the research collaborations Prof Antoinette Jooste established under the VLIR research funding. To date, Dr Kekana has supervised two honours and three master’s students. Since 2009, she presented in six national conferences and one international conference. She has co-authored three research articles. Her research interest is in water quality, fish health, river health and other aquatic organisms.