STAFF
Prof. Sello Alfred Likuku
Associate Professor
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences (PCS))
PhD Thesis: The influence of topography and vegetation canopy on the deposition of atmospheric particulates studied with 210Pb and 137Cs in soil inventory measurements.
MSc Thesis: Electron density determination using a Compton scattering technique for characterization of materials (biological, environmental and industrial).
MSc Project: Determination of detection limits for Americium (241Am) in food and Plutonium (239Pu) in environmental samples.
BSc (Physics & Environmental Science): University of Botswana
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE): University of Botswana
MSc (Radiation & Environmental Protection: University of Surrey (England)
PhD (Environmental Nuclear Physics): University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
IMF Research Fellow: University of Tsukuba (Japan)
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Editor in Chief: Botswana Journal of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (BOJAAS)
General Physics
Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics
Environmental radionuclides transfer and dynamics estimation to decipher pollutant transport and deposition on terrestrial environments.
Environmental radionuclides transfer and dynamics estimation to decipher pollutant transport and deposition on terrestrial environments.
Dr. Olekile Tibe
Senior Lecturer
Dr. Olekile Tibe
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences (PCS))
PhD topic: Phenolics and Condensed Tannins of Forage Plants from Botswana and their Biological Significance
Degrees
1. PhD in Chemistry, Massey University (2012), Palmerston North, New Zealand
2. MSc in Chemistry, Massey University (2004), Palmerston North, New Zealand
3. BSc in Chemistry and Environmental Science, University of Botswana (1997), Gaborone, Botswana
Dr. Baghali Guys Mathapa
Senior Lecturer
Dr. Baghali Guys Mathapa
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences (PCS))
- PhD topic: Cyclodextrin Structures and Microcapsules for encapsulation of active ingredients
Degrees
- PhD in Physical Chemistry (Colloids and Interfacial Science), University of Hull (2014), UK.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Research, University of Hull (2013), UK
- MSc in Physical Chemistry, University of Botswana (2007), Botswana
- BSc in Chemistry, University of Botswana (2000), Botswana.
Professional Societies
- Member of Royal Society of Chemistry.
- Reaction Stoichiometry
- Properties of gases and gas laws
- Solution colligative properties
- Thermochemistry
- Chemical equilibrium
- Acids and bases
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
My research is an interdisciplinary work focused on microencapsulation technologies based on the use of natural oils, natural surfactants as well as molecules and materials of natural origin. A particular emphasis is on novel materials obtained by basic chemistry of self-assembly of cyclodextrin molecules at fluid interfaces in relation to application in surfactant-free emulsions and foams, microcapsules and colloidosomes. Empahasis in on Interface & colloidal chemistry and product development.
Techniques used include; surface and interfacial tension measurements, optical microscopy, fluorescence and electron microscopy, laser diffraction and zeta potential.
Mr. Thato Pholele
Senior Lecturer
Mr. Thato Pholele
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences (PCS))
- M.Sc topic: Analysis of Dual mode Dielectric Loaded Cavity Filter (inter-cavity coupling)
Degrees
- M.Sc in Electronic Systems, University of the Botswana (2010), Botswana.
- B.Ed (Science), University of the Botswana (2004), Botswana.
Professional Societies
- Botswana Physics Association
Mr. Banyaladzi D. Paphane
Senior Lecturer
Mr. Banyaladzi D. Paphane
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences (PCS))
- Master of Science Degree Topic: Kinetic studies on the reactions of some Tetrakis(arylisocyanide)bis(perchlorato)-cobalt(II) complexes with pyridines in non aqueous media. The dissertation examines the kinetics of the reduction of selected Tetrakis(arylisocyanide)bis(perchlorato)cobalt(II) complexes by Pyridine type ligands in non-coordinating solvents.
- Master of Science Degree in Chemistry: University of Botswana (2005), Botswana.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Environmental Science: University of Botswana (2003), Botswana.
Professional Membership
- Vice Secretary of the African Material Research Society (AMRS)
- Committee Member of the African Network of Analytical Chemists (SEANAC)
- Member of the Chemical Society of Botswana
- Member of the Botswana Academy of Science
- Physical and Organic Chemistry
- General and Inorganic Chemistry
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Metallurgical Assay Methods
- Instrumental Methods of Analysis
- Chemical Catalysis
- Organo-metallic synthesis and Chemical Catalysis
- Environmental and Green Chemistry
- Alternative green energy sources
- Investigation of oils from Botswana indigenous plants as a feedstock for the production of bio-diesel
- Determination of efficacy and environmental friendliness of chemical control methods of bush encroachment in Botswana pastures.
Mr. Andrew Muzila
Senior Instructor
Mr. Andrew Muzila
Senior Instructor
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences (PCS))
Degrees
- BSc, in Chemistry, University of Botswana (2006), Botswana.
Professional Societies
- Member of Association of African Universities.
- General and Inorganic Chemistry
- Physical and organic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Potential Research topics
Phytochemistry of Indigenous natural products
- Phytochemistry
- Metal contaminants/Heavy metals
Mr. Kago Ernest Maabong
Senior Instructor (Physics)
Mr. Kago Ernest Maabong
Senior Instructor (Physics)
Faculty of Sciences (Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences (PCS))
Bachelor of Education (Physics) University of Botswana
MSc (Physics) University of Botswana
MSc Thesis topic: Determination of Breakdown Electric Field Strength for Vegetation Fuel Flames
Mechanics and Optics (BSB 112) and Electricity, Magnetism and Elements of Modern Physics (BSB 122)
Wildfires in Botswana, Breakdown Electrical Field Strength in Vegetation and Hydrocarbon Flames, Electrical Conductivity of Flames, Plasma Physics
1. Wildfire Index projections in Botswana
2. Particle initiated breakdown in flames
3. Thermal bubble
4. Stability analysis of flames
5. Development of back corona discharge in a wire cylinder precipitator at high temperatures
- Maabong, K.E., Mphale, K., Letsholathebe, D. and Chimidza, S. (2018) Measurement of Breakdown Electric Field Strength for Vegetation and Hydrocarbon Flames. Journal of Electromagnetic Analysis and Applications, 10, 53-66. https://doi.org/10.4236/jemaa.2018.103004.
- Maabong, K.E., Mphale, K., Letsholathebe, D. and Chimidza, S. (2019) An empirical relation for vegetation fuel flames breakdown electric field strength. Journal of Electromagnetic Analysis and Applications, 11, 187-202. https://doi.org/10.4236/jemaa.2019.1111013.
3. Maabong, K.E. and Mphale, K. (2021) Wildfires in Botswana and Their Frequency of Occurrence. Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, 11, 689-696. https://doi.org/10.4236/acs.2021.114040