The Durban University of Technology (DUT) provides a platform for international students to not only embark on their academic journey but to also develop their personal aspirations and desires.

Fanzhi Wang, who is from China, was acknowledged for his academic excellence to at the DUT 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony, which was held at the Olive Convention Centre on Tuesday, 21 May 2024. His father is the chairman of DUT’s sister university Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University (FAFU), Prof Wang Jiannan.

The 25-year-old Wang graduated Cum Laude and obtained the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence with his Master’s Degree in Biotechnology.

His journey with DUT commenced in 2018 and he has since obtained his Diploma, Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and Honours degree.

For Wang, he had a passion for Biotechnology from a young age. He was always fascinated by the conceptualisation of Biotechnology.
The Title of Dissertation was: Increasing catalytic activity of a fructosyltransferase using site-directed mutagenesis.

Apart from having to adapt to the new country’s way of doing things, Wang shared that during his time of study he faced a trying time in terms of purchasing the materials needed for his research which was time-consuming and also had brought about delays in the research progress. Nonetheless, he said he fully embraced all the challenges that came with being a student.

“University is a fantastic platform that not only offers many opportunities for study, but also a long-time experience that makes life precious. I would like to advise new first years students to not hesitate to be armed with all the vital information, to be professional in their study area and to better understand themselves with the type of life that they want to lead,” he said.

His career goals include becoming a specialist in the field of Biotechnology and working in as a lecturer.
Sharing his thoughts on DUT’s ENVISION2030 principles and values, he relayed that he associates with honesty, integrity, professionalism and excellence the most.

“As a postgraduate student, one needs to show the ability to make progress in the forefront of this professional field and have some achievements. The honesty and integrity are basic attitudes for someone to conduct research while professionalism and excellence should be achieved after a period of postgraduate training in skills,” he concluded.

Pictured : Top achiever, Fanzhi Wang at his graduation.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Thubelihle Dumakude