• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • News
  • Lifestyle
Lorraine Mhoswa, molecular scientist intern at SciCorp Laboratories.

AgriSETA Learner Connect: Meet a molecular scientist

24th September 2020
Podcast: How to access fresh produce markets in SA

Podcast: How to access fresh produce markets in SA

1st December 2023

Food For Mzansi serves as ideal launching pad for farmers

1st December 2023
Let this saucy oxtail recipe take you back down memory lane

Let this saucy oxtail recipe take you back down memory lane

1st December 2023
Arendse puts her eggs in many baskets while aiming for the skies

Arendse puts her eggs in many baskets while aiming for the skies

1st December 2023
ChickenFacts calls for new Poultry Master Plan amid trade turmoil

ChickenFacts calls for new Poultry Master Plan amid trade turmoil

1st December 2023
Food inflation fury grips Mzansi: BFAP sounds alarm

Food inflation fury grips Mzansi: BFAP sounds alarm

1st December 2023
In pictures: Safeguarding indigenous plants for the future

In pictures: Safeguarding indigenous plants for the future

30th November 2023
Food for Mzansi gives voiceless farmers a much-needed voice

Food For Mzansi gives voiceless farmers a much-needed voice

30th November 2023
The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group unveils the November 2023 Household Affordability Index, exposing surging expenses and stagnant wages affecting South African households. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Economic squeeze: Families struggle as costs soar

30th November 2023

Faces of Summer: Celebrate the rich history of Thokozani Wines

30th November 2023
Limpopo seeks revival of economy by putting farmers first

Limpopo seeks revival of economy by putting farmers first

30th November 2023
ICYMI: NW agri dept ramps up goat farming with handover

ICYMI: NW agri dept ramps up goat farming with handover

30th November 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023
15 GLOBAL MEDIA AWARDS
Login
Food For Mzansi
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
Food For Mzansi
Home AgriSETA

AgriSETA Learner Connect: Meet a molecular scientist

by Staff Reporter
24th September 2020
in AgriSETA, News
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
Lorraine Mhoswa, molecular scientist intern at SciCorp Laboratories.

Lorraine Mhoswa, molecular scientist intern at SciCorp Laboratories.

Lorraine Mhoswa (35) is a molecular science intern at SciCorp Laboratories in Pietermaritzburg. As a young scientist she believes that young South Africans should “step up and take up space”.

Mhoswa loves science and in her current role she does a number of science experiments that help farmers and other people in agriculture solve problems.

She is highly qualified with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in horticulture and a Master of Science in plant breeding from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Mhoswa will soon finish her doctorate in genetics with the University of Pretoria.

“I have quite a diverse background in many branches of agriculture and its interesting, because I get to learn a lot and have a broad knowledge about agriculture,” she says.

Her advice to high school learners is, “follow your passion and do something that you really love, because once you do that you will do it to your full capacity. Be true to yourself, step up and take up the space; make an impact and leave a footprint”.

If this career or field of study interests you, simply follow the advice below to find out more and about getting involved. Also check out the other careers to choose from in the agri sector on Food for Mzansi.

Okay, now it’s over to Lorraine Mhoswa, molecular scientist intern at SciCorp Laboratories:

1Could you sum up your job for us? I do science experiments to come up with results that will be used for decision making and solving problems that farmers and other people in the agriculture industry will be facing.

2So, what does the day-to-day of your job entail? I am involved in the hands-on day to day running of the lab doing DNA isolation from different plants or crops. Another part of the job is polymerase chain reactions (PCR) experiments. This means making DNA into millions of copies and processing samples. I also do research work on new projects.

3

What qualification do you need for this career? I have Bachelor of Science Honours degree in horticulture and a Master’s degree in plant breeding from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Currently I am winding up my doctorate in genetics from the University of Pretoria. I have quite a diverse background in many branches of agriculture and its quite interesting because you get to learn a lot and have a broad knowledge about agriculture.

4What are the character traits you need to be great at your job? We learn every day so I would say one should be eager and willing to learn so that you will be able to add knowledge to your skills. You need good interpersonal and communicating skills and to be a resilient and innovative thinker. You must be honest; we are humans and we all make mistakes so don’t try to cover up your mistakes. Admit and learn not to repeat them.

5What subjects do I need to become a molecular scientist intern?Biology, mathematics and science.

 

6What do you love about agriculture as a space to work in? As we all know the human population is growing exponentially, and this means more food is needed. One of the biggest problems today is knowing how we will feed these people. A huge part of the agricultural sector is devoted to solving this problem, and me being part of it makes me feel proud to just know that to some extent I will be making an impact to people’s lives and making history.

7Don’t be modest, tell us about your proudest career moments. I am not yet there but I feel like I am just a step away from attaining my PhD in genetics. This has been the greatest achievement in my life. It’s not a walk in the park or a bed of roses but with a lot of hard work and perseverance ‘its almost done. I can pat myself on the shoulder and wear a big smile.

8What do you do when you’re not at work? I am more of an indoor person, so I spend most of my time watching TV. I love watching sports like rugby, cricket, basketball and netball. I also like to spend time with my family and reading novels.

9Any advice for young people who are inspired by your career story here on AgriSETA Learner Connect? Follow your passion. Do something that you really love, because once you do that you will do it to your full capacity. Be true to yourself. Step up and take up the space; make an impact and leave a footprint.

10Where can I study to become a molecular scientist? Universities with natural and agricultural sciences departments.

How to listen to AgriSETA Learner Connect:

Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcasts.
Option 4: Click here listen using this player. Just click “play”.

Catch AgriSETA Learner Connect on these radio stations:

  1. Waterberg Stereo: Bela Bela, Brits, Naboomspruit, Pietersburg, Pretoria, Thabazimbi, Tzaneen  – 104.9 FM
  2. Waterberg Stereo: Thabazimbi, Naboomspruit – 104.9 FM
  3. Laeveld Stereo: Nelspruit – 100.5 FM
  4. Lichvaal Stereo: Lichtenburg – 92.6 FM
  5. Overvaal Stereo: Viljoenskroon, Parys – 96.1 FM
  6. Maluti FM: Bethlehem – 97.1 FM
  7. Rosestad FM: Bloemfontein – 100.6 FM
  8. Wild Coast FM: East London – 98.6 FM
  9. Gamka FM: Oudtshoorn – 87.6 FM
  10. Kouga FM: Humansdorp – 97.8 FM
  11. Eden FM: Hessequa, Kannaland, Karoo, Oudtshoorn, Plettenbergbaai, Riversdale, Uniondale – 93.8 FM
  12. Radio Overberg: Bredasdorp – 98.4 FM
  13. Caledon FM: Caledon – 89.3 FM
  14. Whale Coast FM: Hermanus – 96.0 FM
  15. West Coast FM: Vredenburg – 92.3 FM
  16. Lara FM: Springbok – 91.6 FM
  17. NFM: Okiep – 98.1 FM

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • WhatsApp
  • Email
Tags: Agri-CareersAgriSETA Learner Connectmolecular scientist
Previous Post

WWF partnership set to boost Mzansi’s favourite wines

Next Post

Three things happening in SA agriculture today, 25 September 2020

Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter

Researched and written by our team of writers and editors.

Related Posts

Ukuba ngowasemaphandleni nokuzingca ngako

Ukuba ngowasemaphandleni nokuzingca ngako

by Tiisetso Manoko
15th September 2023
0

Kwixesha elisandula ukudlula, uDanelene Ruiters wayengomnye wabantwana babasebenzi basefama ongaboni kamva kwezolimo. Namhlanje, unesidanga kwezolimo yaye ukuthanda kakhulu ukutyala iimbewu...

During a recent Gather To Grow Twitter session, experts encouraged attendees to kickstart their agri careers. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Farmer 101: Ready to kickstart your agri career?

by Tiisetso Manoko
18th March 2023
0

GATHER TO GROW: SA's unemployment crisis may seem dire, but if there's one industry in which youngsters can carve their...

With an agriculture degree behind her name, Danelene Ruiters now inspires the children of farmworkers in Wellington in the Western Cape. Photo: Supplied/Ashley Manuel

Rural and proud: A muse for farmworkers’ children

by Tiisetso Manoko
19th January 2022
0

Not too long ago, Danelene Ruiters was one of the farmworkers’ children who did not see a future in agriculture....

Bandile Xhosa of KC 107.7 and Dawn Noemdoe of Food For Mzansi hosted a special Youth Month celebration in Saron in the Western Cape. Photo: Supplied/Gavin Meiring

Youth Month: ‘Agriculture is alive with possibilities’

by Nicole Ludolph
9th June 2021
0

A poultry farmer who started her business during maternity leave inspired learners at Food For Mzansi’s Youth Month celebrations held...

Next Post
Three things happening in SA agriculture today, 25 September 2020

Three things happening in SA agriculture today, 25 September 2020

Arendse puts her eggs in many baskets while aiming for the skies
Inspiration

Arendse puts her eggs in many baskets while aiming for the skies

by Vateka Halile
1st December 2023
0

There is no stopping Anecia Arendse who has used childhood memories, tons of passion and acquired knowledge to build her...

Read more
ChickenFacts calls for new Poultry Master Plan amid trade turmoil

ChickenFacts calls for new Poultry Master Plan amid trade turmoil

1st December 2023
Food inflation fury grips Mzansi: BFAP sounds alarm

Food inflation fury grips Mzansi: BFAP sounds alarm

1st December 2023
In pictures: Safeguarding indigenous plants for the future

In pictures: Safeguarding indigenous plants for the future

30th November 2023
Food for Mzansi gives voiceless farmers a much-needed voice

Food For Mzansi gives voiceless farmers a much-needed voice

30th November 2023

Beyond crops and heatwaves: Climate crisis risks pregnancies

Arendse puts her eggs in many baskets while aiming for the skies

2023: A gruelling year that pushed many farmers over the edge

How Food For Mzansi put the country’s farmers on the map

Limpopo seeks revival of economy by putting farmers first

Food inflation fury grips Mzansi: BFAP sounds alarm

RSS From FoodForAfrika.com

  • $2 Million investment in fertiliser financing for Kenyan smallholders
  • AfDB empowers Tanzanian horticulture with $2.5m boost
  • Malagasy scientist wins $150k grant

THE NEW FACE OF SOUTH AFRICAN AGRICULTURE

With 15 global awards in the first four years of its existence, Food For Mzansi is much more than an agriculture publication. It is a movement, unashamedly saluting the unsung heroes of South African agriculture. We believe in the power of agriculture to promote nation building and social cohesion by telling stories that are often overlooked by broader society.

Podcast: How to access fresh produce markets in SA

Food For Mzansi serves as ideal launching pad for farmers

Let this saucy oxtail recipe take you back down memory lane

Arendse puts her eggs in many baskets while aiming for the skies

ChickenFacts calls for new Poultry Master Plan amid trade turmoil

Food inflation fury grips Mzansi: BFAP sounds alarm

  • Our Story
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824
News: info@foodformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
Login

Copyright © 2021 Food for Mzansi

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.