Why Should We Study Chemistry? Interview with Professor Ngece-Ajayi

Chemistry, as many of us know, is the scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter dealing with the composition and structure of substances. Chemistry is a difficult field of study but Professor Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi is an advocate. Fanelway is an associate professor of physical chemistry at the chemistry department. She is also the deputy dean for Research at the Science Faculty at the University of the Western Cape. She is passionate about community upliftment and inspires young people to study science. She believes that it is an aspiring goal that will help grow people’s careers and remain competent.

In our interview with Professor Ngece-Ajayi we wanted to make sure to ask about all the work that she does at UWC, her belief around why students should study chemistry and the natural sciences, as well as what research she does to keep her passion for community relevant. 

She took the time to tell us about the government's attempts to provide equipment but that there is still a need for equipment. Institutions need access to funding that will bring about momentum in the study. Professor Ngece-Ajayi explains that there's a need for students to be able to study science and actually see the dissections or the color change in chemistry in person, things they can't imagine without equipment.  There's a hesistancy or fear to study mathematics or natural sciences that she wants to remedy and part of that is having better subject advisers to guide students. 

Connect with Professor Fanelwa Ngece-Ajayi on linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fanelwangeceajayi/?originalSubdomain=za