What inspired you towards a career in science?
Curiosity and the sense of doing what people thought was hard. But also being challenged and wanting to know how things around us work. I like to ‘break’ things and put them back together. I did my science and maths over two years in high school, while others took five years. I even enrolled for advanced Maths: doing Maths and science opened more opportunities.
What did you study and where?
I did a BSc in Chemistry and Biology, with a Concurrent Certificate in Education at the University of Lesotho. Then I went to Canada for my MSc in Chemistry, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. I stayed in Canada for my PhD Chemistry at the University of Western Ontario.
What was the topic of the first thesis you wrote?
My MSc thesis was on magnetism.
Why did you choose that topic?
Now I use such magnets for water purification.
Which role do you have right now and what are you investigating?
My research is based on cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT), intended as an alternative to chemotherapy. PDT is based on using blue dyes used to colour blue denim jeans, which is inert and harmless by itself but can be activated by exposure to a red laser beam. In this treatment, the drugs are administered to a patient from three to 96 hours before administration of laser light. Over time, the compounds build up in the cancerous tissues. Clinicians then shine a strong, red laser light on the diseased areas, which causes a chemical reaction to occur between the drugs and oxygen molecules in the cancer tissues. Toxic oxygen is generated, which then destroys the tumour cells.
What are the most enjoyable and the less enjoyable aspects of your daily routine?
On the enjoyable side, the training of high-level workforce for the continent of Africa. Capacity building for Africa. My students are in academia and industry all over the continent and beyond.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt during your career so far?
My passion started with having a good education and the role of my father and my teachers in my education. My main driving force is my passion for Africa. Unfortunately, we are often viewed as a continent of war and famine and not the one that is a major player in science and technology. In my small way, I wish to change this perception.
What was the most challenging moment of your career, and how did you go through it?
I can say that I have suffered academic loneliness in my career, and it is the most terrible thing where you have utterly no one to talk to, since you don’t belong to their club, you don’t attend their ‘golf club’. You are on your own with no one to share your happiness with and no one to talk to when things are wrong because it’s a man’s world. I think it is only because I am slightly insane that I dare to go on!
If you could travel in time, is there a career decision you would like to change and why?
None.
Do you have any regrets career-wise?
None, again.
Who are your role models?
My students. Their determination to succeed keeps me going
Do you have a mentor?
No, I do not have one.
Which advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
You can find the answer here: scienceclubforgirls.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/tebello-nyokongs-letter-to-her-young-self/
What is your advice for young students who are unsure/undecided about their careers?
I think women, in particular, need to remove the fear of science and the fear of a male-dominated workplace. If somebody tells you “it’s not for women,” remove that fear. It’s not difficult. Like anything else, when you work at it, you can make it.
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