Tendai Dembaremba is a highly energetic and ambitious young African who has developed a lot of enthusiasm for chemistry research and the field of science as a whole during his Bsc (Chemistry and Biochemistry), Bsc (Honors) Chemistry and Msc Chemistry studies at Nelson Mandela University; Eastern Cape, South Africa. Mature zeal and responsible approaches afforded him opportunities to pursue his academic goals and aspirations in life. With these skills, he is equipped for great achievements and contribution to the society and the world at large.
Tendai Dembaremba battled through an academic race track marred with several socio-economic hurdles. Parental support and several funding structures helped him sail smoothly through primary and high school studies in Zimbabwe. An opportunity for him to study at Nelson Mandela University, arose after a successful thorough and tough selection process for funding. After a fruitful completion of his first degree, an opportunity for him to continue with his studies at Nelson Mandela University was presented through the Nelson Mandela University Honors bursary and financial aid from the university's chemistry department. A very successful Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree, where the degree was awarded Cum Laude led to a Master of Science degree funded by the South African National Research Foundation, the Nelson Mandela University Research and capacity Development office and Sasol. The Msc degree was awarded Cum Laude.
Having grown up with a passion for the environment during his primary and high school studies in Zimbabwe, a period during which he was largely exposed to science subjects, he signed up for an opportunity to carry out an Honors research project towards the oxidative desulfurization of fuels as a complimentary method to the current hydrodesulfurization technique which is increasingly facing various challenges. Vanadium(V) was copiously investigated as a potential catalyst for the oxidation of the sulfur containing compounds in fuels so that they can be easily be removed by solvent extraction or adsorption. The project was carried on to Msc where vanadium(IV) was added into the picture. Pronounced success in the research project produced results which were presented at the South Africa Chemistry Insitute (SACI) conference and the South African Spectroscopy Society (SASS) Young Spectroscopist Symposium (YSS), both held in Cape town. A silver award was granted at the SACI conference for the flash talk and poster presentation. The results presented in both conferences were acknowledged by fellow researchers and two articles are being prepared for publication in peer reviewed journals (Chemical Communications and Energy & Fuels).
Undergraduate, Honors and Msc studies in the faculty of science at NMMU broadened his research skills and knowledge in science with more emphasis in Inorganic chemistry. He has been comprehensively exposed to techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourrier Transform-Infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography with a Flame Ionization Detector/Mass Spectroscopy (GC-FID/MS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. He has also covered several research lab methodologies.
Studying at NMMU has greatly exposed him to the leadership scene and an environment of diversity. He has been actively involved with several societies within the Faculty of Science at Nelson Mandela University such as the Science Society (SCIENCESCO), Biochem Society and SCI-SA NMMU. He has also contributed considerably to the Nelson Mandela University department of chemistry with tutoring undergraduate students; and the faculty as a whole, with the annual science discovery week which advertises the faculty to high school students. During his tenure as the Faculty Academic Officer in the Nelson Mandela University Student Representative Council, he managed to assist several students with academic and personal issues ranging from academic exclusion to financial aid. During that period he also participated in the Sak' Ngomso campaign which assists high school learners from disadvantaged backgrounds have better understanding of processes involved with accessing the university.
His dream is to contribute to the best of his potential to improving the world and allow for the sustainable use of it's resources.