A student in UKZN’s Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit (ACRU), Ms Sinenhlanhla Precious Sikhosana, has been awarded her Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics – a watershed moment in a distinguished academic career.
Sikhosana’s thesis, in the area of astronomy and supervised by Professor Kavilan Moodley, was titled: "Giant Radio Halos and Relics in ACT Clusters". Her research involved searching for galaxy clusters that host diffuse radio emission which provide an insight into the evolution of galaxy clusters. The galaxy clusters were detected by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope, located in Chile, and were observed using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in India.
Sikhosana graduated with a cum laude BSc degree in Applied Mathematics and Physics, in 2013, and was awarded her BSc Honours degree also cum laude the next year.
She received numerous awards including the Dean’s commendation for each year of her undergraduate studies, a full undergraduate scholarship from the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) organisation, merit awards for seven subjects and was elected to the Golden Key International Honour Society at UKZN. The latter achievement lead to an invitation in 2013 to attend the International Scholar Laureate Programme hosted in Washington DC and New York.
In addition, Sikhosana was selected to participate in a month-long radio astronomy project at Princeton University in the United States in July 2014.
Sikhosana is a well-rounded student committed to giving back to the community and has spent many hours tutoring high school and undergraduate students. ‘I find it very rewarding to help other students,’ she said.
Sikhosana will register for a PhD in Astronomy later this year.
Asked about factors that led to her success, she said: ‘My family have encouraged me to be extremely disciplined when approaching my studies. My strong work ethic is because of their support and motivation.’
ACRU’s Professor Kavilan Moodley, said: ‘Sinenhlanhla is a diligent student who is adept at solving scientific problems. I look forward to her completing her PhD and joining the next batch of South African astronomers.’
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