A top achiever, Temiloluwa Scott is grateful to the Durban University of Technology for granting him a remarkable opportunity to complete his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Scott (29) originally from Nigeria but permanently residing in South Africa is amongst the top achievers who were honoured for their academic excellence at the day one of the Durban based DUT 2023 Autumn Graduation ceremonies held at the Olive Convention Centre, this afternoon (22 May 2023).

He graduated Cum Laude for his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. This is a second Cum Laude in the bag for him as he also graduated Cum Laude for his undergraduate qualification.

“It is a rewarding and fulfilling achievement to graduate Cum Laude. I completed my undergraduate degree with a Cum Laude and now my Master’s degree at DUT. This signifies the dedication and hard work I have put into my academic journey, and I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment in receiving this honour. Graduating Cum Laude has not only validated my academic abilities but also opened doors for further opportunities and recognition in my field. It has motivated me to continue striving for excellence and pursuing my passion for learning and personal growth,” said Scott.

His research topic is: “The Experimental Investigation on Natural Convection of Hybrid-Water Nanofluids in Cavity Flow.”
“I chose to conduct this research because it combines two areas of my interest: heat transfer and nanotechnology. During my undergraduate days, I worked on a project that focused solely on heat transfer, and it sparked my curiosity about the potential applications of nanotechnology in this field. With the guidance and support of my supervisors, I was able to integrate the principles of heat transfer and nanotechnology in this research, exploring the behaviour of hybrid-water nanofluids in cavity flow,” explained Scott.

Sharing the highlight of his research, was the opportunity to delve into a relatively unexplored area and contribute to the understanding of natural convection and nanofluids. This journey led to the discovery that using hybrid nanofluids can significantly improve natural convection and enhance heat transfer.

“This finding contributes to our understanding of how to improve heat transfer in different applications, such as manufacturing, power generation, and electronics. It suggests that hybrid nanofluids offer advantages over traditional fluids and can be used to enhance thermal performance in various systems,” added Scott.

Reflecting on his journey at DUT, Scott pointed out that it was transformative as he had an opportunity to engage in a diverse range of academic and hands on experiences that significantly contributed to his growth and expertise in the mechanical engineering field. He believes these experiences expanded his knowledge and honed his practical skills, preparing him for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

He listed loadshedding as one of his major challenges that posed a significant obstacle during his research. The frequent power outages, Scott indicated that they disrupted the continuity of his experiments and prolonged the overall duration of his tests.

“I had to quickly adapt and implement measures to mitigate the impact of sudden power cuts on data acquisition and measurements. Despite the difficulties, I remained resilient and committed to my research. I viewed these challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development. Each obstacle presented a chance to learn valuable lessons, improve my problem-solving skills, and become more resourceful,” explained Scott.

Scott is currently employed in a part-time capacity at a higher education institution. His role involves contributing to the academic development and support of students. He is actively seeking new opportunities that align with his career goals and provide a more fulfilling professional experience. He is eager to explore positions that allow him to further develop his skills and make a meaningful impact in his field.

He extended a special thanks to his family, and his supervisors, Dr Ewim and Professor Eloka-Eboka, for their unwavering support throughout his journey. He believes their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in his growth and success.

Pictured: Temiloluwa Scott.

Simangele Zuma