By Elaine Wabwire

 

Rhodes University’s Faculty of Pharmacy commemorated Pharmacy Research Day and shared their research at the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. The day featured 17 postgraduate students who presented their research across various domains.

During his opening address, Dean of the Faculty, Professor Sandile Khamanga, posed a crucial question: “How do we bring the passion and attract undergraduates to pursue postgraduate studies?”. Professor Khamanga spoke about the importance of punctuality, professionalism, and respect for time as fundamental pillars of academic success.

He also reflected on the genesis of the Faculty's Research Day, underscoring the value of students’ dedication to their research. He noted the potential within these postgraduate students, saying, “We see you as future researchers and academics.” He encouraged them not to outsource the education of future generations but to be a part of the system that shapes it.

The research presented covered various areas such as public health, disease treatment, topical drug delivery, physical pharmaceutics, COVID-19-related topics, glucose homeostasis and formulation development and assessment. Some of these topics included research aimed at testing the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Neisseria gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Another research topic focused on finding better treatments for African animal trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), a disease that affects millions of cattle across the continent. Researchers are trying to create a new compound that might be better at treating the disease by changing the structure of these compounds and replacing the atoms. This research promises safer and more efficient treatments for African animal trypanosomiasis.

The Pharmacy Faculty is home to 45 registered postgraduate students pursuing PhDs, MSc and MPharm degrees. The Faculty also proudly celebrated the conferral of seven Master’s and three Doctoral degrees in 2023, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence and research contributions. At the end of the event, there was a prize-giving ceremony in which the top three presentations were recognised.

They are as follows:

• First place – Davids Simasiku (Supervisor: Prof RB Walker):

Preparation and characterisation of co-amorphous and amorphous
solid dispersion of darunavir to improve aqueous solubility and
development of child-specific dosage forms.

 

• Second place – Takudzwa Mugiya (Supervisor: Dr L Sibiya):

Understanding the role of small molecule kinase inhibitors on
glucose metabolism in crucial insulin target tissues in-vitro.

 

• Third place – Hlengiwe Moyo (Supervisor: Ms C Magadza and co-supervisor: Dr P Makoni):

Symptom management: environmental impact on health behaviours.

 

The Pharmacy Faculty's Research Day was a testament to the commitment of the Pharmacy Faculty in advancing research and innovation, providing a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for pharmacy students and the broader healthcare community at Rhodes University. The event was made possible through the support of sponsors such as Sanlam, Anatech, Merck, and Separations.