Prof Mamookho Elizabeth Makhatha

Professor Makhatha is a registered professional natural scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat-), rated by South African National Research Foundation (NRF). She is a Physical Chemist and holds a PhD in Polymers science, a Full Professor at Metallurgy Department, and serves as Head of School (HoS): School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering at Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.

Her research explores how biodegradable polymers and alloy materials contribute to a more sustainable future to economically impact on consumer behavior towards eco-friendly products. She prepares and characterizes thermal functional composites for a sustainable future (polymers and alloys); by adjusting parameters for different applications with smart/advanced capability. She includes environmentally friendly materials that are of high performance and for sustainable energy. Prof Makhatha is an inspirational leader, passionate about knowledge dissemination, mentoring early career researchers and planting the seed as well as lifting others up. Her current head of school position encourages leading cross-disciplinary research initiatives for betterment of humanity.