Profile Details

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Hire Dr. Shanna S.

South Africa

USD 50 /hr

Freelance consultant, scientific writer and editor with expertise in Biochemistry and Enzymology

Profile Summary

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) in Chemistry and Biochemistry (with double Distinctions), Honours (BScHons) in Biochemistry (with Distinction) as well as a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Biochemistry (with Distinction) in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at Rhodes University in 2013. I am currently completing my PhD degree in Chemical Engineering at the Centre for Bioprocess Engineering and Research (CeBER) at the University of Cape Town with the intention of graduating within the next year. My MSc research was based on a fundamental study that contributed towards the development of a bioreactor that utilizes fruit waste water to produce biofuels. My project specifically focused on immobilization of a crude suite of enzymes that break down fruit waste into simple sugars, so that they could be fermented into biofuels. The dual benefit of this entire process is that in addition to producing an alternative fuel, the utilization of fruit waste water contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment. Therefore this research and my knowledge base in this area would add value to water enhancement and waste-management practices to support a green economy. I am currently in my final year of my PhD at CeBER in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Cape Town. My current project involves immobilization of cytochrome P450 enzymes for activation of linear alkanes which are produced as by-products in the petro-chemical industry, to produce more valuable chemicals. This research is being carried out using a bio-catalytic approach which is more environmentally friendly than traditional chemical methods which require more energy and produce more toxic by-products. Although this project is largely biochemically based, it has taken on an appreciable cross-disciplinary approach including aspects of microbiology, enzymology, bio-process engineering, bio-informatics and electrical engineering. I believe this is a testament to my ability to facilitate knowledge flow between different disciplines- a direct necessity for a collaborative approach.

Subject Matter Expertise

• ★ Biochemistry
• ★ Protein/Enzyme Engineering
• ★ Technical & Scientific Writing
• ☆ STEM
• ☆ Microbiology
• ☆ Biotechnology & Bioengineering
• ☆ Research
• ☆ Scientific Proofreading & Editing

Services

• Writing
• Research

Writing Technical Writing, Newswriting

Research Gray Literature Search, Systematic Literature Review, Secondary Data Collection

Work Experience

Tutor

University of Cape Town

July 2020 - Present

Lecturer (temp)

University of Cape Town

May 2019 - May 2019

Online content creator, grade 10 Physical Science

Daptio

January 2014 - December 2014

Tutor

Rhodes University

January 2012 - December 2013

Scifriend

Scifest Africa

March 2012 - March 2012

Laboratory assistant

Rhodes University

September 2008 - December 2010

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering (bio-process engineering)

University of Cape Town

January 2014 - Present

PhD (Chemical Engineering)

University of Cape Town

2014 - Present

Masters (Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology)

Rhodes University

2012 - 2014

Masters degree in Biochemistry

Rhodes University

January 2012 - December 2013

Honours degree in Biochemistry

Rhodes University

January 2011 - December 2011

Honours (Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology)

Rhodes University

2011 - 2011

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Rhodes University

January 2008 - December 2010

Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotehnoloy)

Rhodes University

2008 - 2010

Certifications

• Certification details not provided.

Publications

JOURNAL ARTICLE

(2013). Food processing waste: Problems, current management and prospects for utilisation of the lignocellulose component through enzyme synergistic degradation . Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews.