Vossie Feature: Passion for Science Becomes Reality.
Vossie Feature: Passion for Science Becomes Reality.
Post by Eduvos, October 1, 2024.
Growing up, our interests and passions evolve as we do. However, it’s the determination to succeed that allows us to achieve success. Meet Boikanyo Molefe, a Bachelor of Science in Biomedicine student, who is turning her passion for science into impactful innovation.
Education Is the Key to Success
As the eldest of two daughters, Boikanyo grew up in a single-parent household in the Eastern Cape, where her mother instilled a deep respect for education. From a young age, Boikanyo remembers immersing herself in school activities, particularly in science where she later participated, and excelled, in science competitions and eventually became Head Girl.
Following her mother’s passion for healthcare and the encouragement from her teachers, Boikanyo knew she wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare and sciences field.
“I've always been interested in healthcare and working with people,” shares Boikanyo. “I wasn’t initially interested in the sciences, but as time passed and more opportunities opened for me, I had a mind shift. I even remember my physics teacher encouraging me and would always tell me, ‘You need to do something in the sciences’.”
Change Is Often Needed
While the road wasn’t always as simple for Boikanyo, she was determined to persevere and take control of her future. Boikanyo was initially enrolled at a public higher education institution, but after experiencing a personal loss that deeply impacted her, she found herself navigating the challenges of adulthood and decided to leave.
Boikanyo was later introduced to Eduvos, and despite her uncertainty about a private higher education institution, her time at Eduvos reshaped her perspective. She realised the value of hands-on learning, particularly the practical work that closely mirrored real-world scenarios.
“I was very apprehensive at first, because many people frown upon private institutions, especially when you come from a public institution,” Boikanyo concedes. “But when I started studying at Eduvos, it was the complete opposite. I found myself in situations where the work I was doing at Eduvos was exactly what people in the industry were being paid to do. The exposure was unmatched.”
Additionally, the smaller classes and engaged faculty allowed her to form close connections with her lecturers and peers, who guided her not just academically, but in planning her career path. It was this personalised education that made her realise Eduvos was the right place for her.
A Young Scientist in the Making
Now in her third year, Boikanyo has set her sights firmly on bioinformatics–a field that combines her passion for biology with the exciting possibilities of technology. She recalls a practical in molecular biology that sparked her interest in DNA and plant species identification, opening her eyes to the potential of bioinformatics.
“I remember in my second year, I had a molecular biology module,” shares Boikanyo. “At first, I thought it was cool, but when we started with practical work, it was a lightbulb moment. We got samples and learned the whole process of extracting the DNA to later analyse and run it through systems to identify the species and its origin. It was very fascinating.”
Boikanyo’s exposure to molecular biology encouraged her entrance to the Bio Centrifuge Africa competition, where she placed third. This competition was a defining moment for her, she pushed herself out of her comfort zone to pitch her idea for an algae water filtration system solution to solve African problems. Inspired by the water quality issues in South Africa and electricity shortages, Boikanyo’s idea aimed to provide an off-grid, cost-effective solution to improve water quality, particularly for communities that don’t have access to expensive filtration systems.
“Being selected as a finalist was surreal. The event in Cape Town was nerve-wracking, but it was exhilarating,” Boikanyo reflects. “It felt more intimidating knowing the other finalists in the student category were all post-graduate students. But sitting among my fellow finalists and presenting my idea in front of industry leaders gave me the confidence to believe in the value of my work. And I thank Eduvos for the eye-opening experience.”
Looking ahead, Boikanyo plans to continue her studies in bioinformatics, to turn her ideas into tangible innovations that could transform people’s lives. “"I want to pursue postgraduate research and refine my algae-based filtration system. It’s about making a difference, not just for myself, but for the communities that need it most,” says Boikanyo.
Boikanyo’s journey is one of growth and resilience. Through her time at Eduvos, she has transformed from a curious student into a young scientist, ready to tackle Africa’s challenges.
Enjoyed the read? Stay updated with the latest from our Eduvos blog.
