Profile of Khavharendwe Rambau

About Khavharendwe Rambau

Khavharendwe Rambau is a PhD candidate based at the HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. A renewable energy scientist, she obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of the Free State before pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Pretoria. Khavharendwe was a finalist in 2018 FameLab competition.

Khavharendwe Rambau

What led you to this profession?

It was the need to contribute in finding long lasting solutions to the effects that climate change has on the world. Climate change has and will always be a pressing issue and until such time that each of us play their part, nothing is going to change. So, as a scientist and an environmental activist, pursuing a career in renewable energy was automatic. The career gave me a chance to form part in ground breaking research which can assist in creating a green and sustainable environment and that is rewarding for me.

Did you always intend to be a scientist, if not, what was your dream career?

I realized that I wanted to be a scientist while I was in 7th grade. I got a huge interest in science subject that I ended up feeling like it was the only subject I want do at school. I also had a very curious mind and science was the subject that entertained my curiosity at life.

At present, what are you working on?

I’m currently working on developing porous materials for hydrogen storage systems used in fuel cells At HySA Infrastructure CSIR. The interesting approach in this work is that I get to use waste materials to synthesis the porous materials. I get to clean the waste in the environment and help in enhancing green and sustainable energy; I’d like to think of it as killing two birds with one stone.

What is your opinion on female representation in the hydrogen fuel cell technology industry?

Not many women are in this field, simply because it’s not well known and there’s is little awareness on the field. What is needed are social programs to showcase this field, encourage many young women and show them that it is possible to be part of a solution.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered so far in your journey as a scientist and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I have faced in my journey as a scientist is producing a product that actually works. In my field, it is a challenge to find a right synthesis method and fine-tune the materials according to the specifications we need. I overcame the challenge by not giving up, conducting literature studies, consulting with subject experts and exploring every hypothesis to have many possible solutions.

Which undergraduate degree should someone enrol in, in order to become a specialist in your field?

An undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Physics, Material science and chemical engineering can lead you to this field.

Share a turning point or defining moment in your work as a scientist

A turning point in my career was when I managed to produce a material from waste tyres which performed well in hydrogen storage. As a result my work was patented. I also won the best masters studentship for this work at CSIR Energy center. This gave me an indication that I am involved in something bigger than myself and I’m capable of bringing innovation within the science field.

What is your advice to young, aspiring female scientists and students?

Everyone in the world is capable of solving problems even problems that seem to be bigger than us. So if you want to change the world, don’t be afraid to face the world’s difficult problems.

What is your next move, career wise and what are you most looking forward to?

Right now I’m completing my PhD and I aim to pursue a post-doctorate degree in the field. My long term goal is to establish a company that seek to find green energy solutions as a solution to curbing the long term effects of climate change.