Lecturer , durban university of technology , South Africa
Thokozile Fortunate Mazibuko is a dedicated electrical engineer with a concentration in Power and Renewable Energy Systems. She is passionate about innovation and creativity, consistently aiming to contribute to the field through research and teaching. With a strong technical aptitude and experience in both academia and industry, Thokozile is currently a lecturer at Durban University of Technology, where she focuses on developing new teaching methodologies and supervising research projects.
Profile
Scopus
Strengths for the Award
- Extensive Academic Background: Thokozile has a strong academic foundation, holding a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with Cum Laude from Tshwane University of Technology and another Master’s from RWTH Aachen University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology, focusing on renewable energy and power systems, which highlights her dedication to advancing her knowledge and expertise in this field.
- Research Expertise: Thokozile has contributed to several high-impact publications in the areas of power systems, renewable energy, and energy systems optimization. Her work on the application of synchrophasors for transient stability analysis and her involvement in the techno-economic design and optimization of hybrid energy systems demonstrate her capability to handle complex and critical issues in the energy sector.
- Teaching and Mentorship: Her experience as a lecturer at the Durban University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg reflects her commitment to academia. Thokozile has developed and implemented innovative teaching approaches, supervised research activities, and contributed to the academic development of her students, enhancing her institution’s research profile.
- Professional Experience: Thokozile has a robust professional background, with experience in both academia and industry. Her roles at Rand Water, Anglo American, and Anglo Platinum, where she handled responsibilities ranging from quality control to project management, provide her with a well-rounded understanding of the practical applications of her research.
- Technical Skills: Thokozile possesses a wide range of technical skills, including complex problem-solving, systems analysis, and technology design. These skills, combined with her research and teaching experience, make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Areas of Improvement
- Expanded Research Impact: While Thokozile has a solid publication record, expanding her research impact through collaborations, securing grants, and leading high-profile projects could further enhance her profile. Engaging in more interdisciplinary research could also broaden her influence in related fields.
- Industry-Academia Collaboration: Increasing collaboration with industry partners could enhance the practical relevance of her research and lead to innovations that directly impact the energy sector. This could also provide more opportunities for funded research projects and applications.
Visibility in International Conferences: While Thokozile has presented at various conferences, increasing her presence at international conferences and workshops, especially in leadership or keynote roles, would raise her profile in the global research community.
Education
Thokozile is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Durban University of Technology. She holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology (Cum Laude) and another Master’s degree from RWTH Aachen University in Germany. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering (Power) from Tshwane University of Technology and a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Durban University of Technology.
Experience
Thokozile has extensive experience in both academic and industrial settings. Since 2020, she has been a lecturer at Durban University of Technology, where she develops innovative teaching approaches and supervises research projects. Before that, she lectured at the University of Johannesburg, focusing on Power Electronics, Protection Technology, and Control Systems. Thokozile has also worked as a Graduate Intern at Rand Water and held various roles at Anglo American, including Quality Control Coordinator and Engineering Trainee.
Research Interests
Thokozile’s research interests lie in Power and Energy Systems, particularly in renewable energy sources. Her work focuses on the application of synchrophasors in multi-machine power systems for transient stability analysis and the optimization of hybrid energy systems. She is dedicated to advancing the field through her research, which combines technical expertise with practical applications.
Awards
Thokozile has earned recognition for her academic achievements, including her Cum Laude distinction for her Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Her work has been consistently recognized for its impact on the field, contributing to the development of innovative solutions in power and energy systems.
Publications
Thokozile has authored several research papers in esteemed journals and conference proceedings, showcasing her contributions to the field of electrical engineering:
- “Techno-Economic Design and Optimization of Hybrid Energy Systems”, Energies, 2024.
- “Electricity Cost Minimization for A Low-Income Household: A South African Case Study”, 2023 International Conference on Electrical, Computer and Energy Technologies (ICECET), 2023.
- “Transient Stability of a Multi-Machine System Based on Synchronised PMU’s”, 49th International Universities Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), 2014.
- “Application of PTP Synchronized PMUs in Power System Small-Signal Stability Analysis”, International Journal of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, 2014.
- “Cryptocurrency Mining Powered by Renewable Energy Using a DC-DC Connection”, 31st Southern African Universities Power Engineering Conference (SAUPEC), 2023.
- “Design and Monitoring of a Voltage Battery Sensor of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) by Means of an Arduino”, IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica, 2020.
- “Deep Learning-based Single-image Super-resolution: A Comprehensive Review”, IEEE Access, 2023.
- “An Improved Dense CNN Architecture for Deepfake Image Detection”, IEEE Access, 2023.
Conclusion
Thokozile Fortunate Mazibuko is a highly qualified and experienced researcher with a strong academic and professional background in electrical engineering, particularly in power systems and renewable energy. Her dedication to research, teaching, and technical expertise make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With further emphasis on expanding her research impact, industry collaboration, and international visibility, she has the potential to achieve even greater recognition in her field.