Leanne Odette Ganesan has made a remarkable mark at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) community. With a passion for discovery and innovation, the Durban born will be receiving her Diploma in Analytical Chemistry with Cum Laude and will be obtaining the prestigious Deans Merit Award for academic excellence at the upcoming DUT Spring Graduation Ceremony, to be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
According to Ganesan pursuing a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry at DUT, had been a profoundly enriching experience.
“DUT provided me with not only a solid academic foundation but also an environment that encouraged real-world application of the knowledge I gained. One of the most significant aspects of my time at DUT was the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience while still studying,” she said.
She explained that the experience was invaluable, as it allowed her to apply the theories and techniques she learned in the classroom to re-world situation, bridging the gap between academic’s concepts and industrial practice.
Ganesan said that the challenges she had faced as a student, including balancing coursework with her personal life, had taught her valuable lessons in resilience, perseverance, and time management.
She credited the university’s emphasis on practical experience and supportive faculty for shaping her career path. The university gave her an opportunity to do her in-service training at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in the Biorefinery Industry Development Facility while studying and she said that it was a great experience for her, she was able to apply theoretical knowledge to real world situations.
Ganesan associates herself with DUT’s principles of “Excellence” and “Commitment,” which guided her throughout her journey. She believes that excellence is about striving to be the best version of herself, while commitment is about dedication and perseverance.
The 21-year-old was overwhelmed upon receiving the news that she will be graduating Cum Laude and will obtain a Dean’s Merit Award, seeing it as a testimony of her hard work and dedication.
“It felt surreal like a dream come true but it was also a profound validation of the hard work and dedication I have poured into my studies,” she explained.
She further explained that her family was overjoyed when they heard the news of her graduation and her academic excellence. She expressed her gratitude to them for their unwavering support and belief in her.
Ganesan plans to further her studies and pursue a career in research and development, focusing on sustainability and innovation. She aims to lead projects that push boundaries and contribute to ground-breaking research.
She advised first-year students to remain curious, passionate, and resilient. She encouraged them to embrace learning opportunities, seek internships, and surround themselves with supportive peers.
She is currently working at CSIR in the Biorefinery Industry Development Facility as a laboratory intern, applying advanced analytical chemistry techniques to support research and development phases. She expressed her deepest gratitude to the Faculty of Applied Sciences, peers, and everyone at DUT who has been part of her journey. She believes that her experiences have prepared her for her career and shaped her as a person.
Pictured: Leanne Ganesan who is looking forward to obtaining a Dean’s Merit Award for her Diploma in Analytical Chemistry.
Sinamile Sithole
