School of Chemistry & Physics

Dr Wendy Bonakele Mdlalose

Lecturer

Dr Wendy Mdlalose’s research focuses on the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles that possess potential in medical and sensing applications. She started her lecturer career as a tutor in the Access program, which helps students from previously disadvantaged schools (from 2006-2016), after spending six months as a high school science teacher. Dedicated and experienced academic teaching with a proven record of accomplishment to improve their academic performance. Adept at evaluating students and creating learning plans based on their strengths and weaknesses. Bringing forth a devotion to education and helping others to achieve their academic and life goals.

In 2017, she joined the school of Chemistry and Physics as an NGAP lecturer, a program that caters to PhD candidates allowing them to spend more time reaching towards PhD qualifications. After completing PhD studies in 2019, she was credentialed as a permanent lecturer. She secured NRF Thuthuka funding and published six journal papers during her PhD studies.

Research interests

  • Experimental in Solid State PhysicsMaterials 
  • Nanotechnology 

Research profiles

Research overview

Condensed matter physics is the physics field that deals with the macroscopic and microscopic physical properties of matter, particularly more concerned with the condensed phases (solids and liquids that appear whenever the number of constituents in a system is vast, and the interactions between the constituents are substantial. The condensed matter research investigates these phases ‘behavior by using physical laws such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical mechanics. My research involves the synthesis, structural and magnetic characterizations of nanostructured mixed ferrites. In particular, investigate the properties of the polymer-coated magnetic nano ferrites and their application for controlled drug delivery anticancer treatment. Another study focusses on the investigation of magnetic nanoparticles with potential applications in microwave absorbing devices.

Current projects

The current research project involves synthesizing and characterizing nanoparticles with potential in biomedical and gas sensing applications. Wet and high-energy ball milling techniques are utilized to synthesis mixed nano ferrites. The techniques that are used to characterize samples are X–ray diffraction (XRD), high–resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), high–resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), cryogen free vibrating sample magnetometer for temperature dependent, electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements, and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy.

Collaborators

  • DST/CSIR Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, National Centre for Nanostructured Materials

Media

Retsch PM 400 planetary MA type high energy planetary ball mill, in Condensed Matter Physics Labat UKZN

Pressure reactor model PARR 4843 reactor, in Condensed Matter Physics Lab at UKZN.