Dr. Anza-Tshilidzi Ramabulana
Nominee's Province:
Limpopo
Project Name/Description:
Laboratory Technician in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Venda Tshikuwi, Nzhelele, Limpopo
Her journey has been one of resilience, passion, and relentless curiosity, which has seen her take the stage on scientific platforms around the world, representing her country of birth with pride. Dr. Ramabulana does say that her academic journey was far from smooth; however, hard work and a deep commitment to it ensured that she succeeded. This year, her proud moment came when she earned her PhD in biochemistry at the University of Johannesburg. Her doctoral research was titled “Metabolomics and computational tools to explore and explain the metabolomes and the biochemistry of Momordica species,” opened exciting new pathways in science. During her research, she collaborated with the LC-MS/MS facility at the University of Venda, under the guidance of Prof. Ntakadzeni Madala. This allowed her to bridge the worlds of computational analysis and hands-on plant biochemistry— the two areas she is passionate about. In her current role, she is at the forefront of research involving liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), training students, and supporting research in nutrition and metabolomics. Locally and internationally, she has authored several peer-reviewed publications in respected journals like Metabolomics, Metabolites, and Plants. Last year, she was invited to present her work at the 20th Annual Conference of the Metabolomics Society in Osaka, Japan. She has been acknowledged with awards such as First Prize in the PhD Presentations Category at UJ’s Departmental Research Day (2023), and the People’s Choice Award at UJ’s Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Conference (2022). Dr Ramabulana is passionate about mentorship and sees it as part of her work. “I currently supervise MSc and honours students at the University of Venda. Together, we explore diverse research areas—from the antidiabetic properties of indigenous plants to metabolite profiling in crops. Seeing my students grow into confident researchers is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.” She lives by Nelson Mandela’s quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
