Dr Kanyisile Mhlana

Dr. Kanyisile Mhlana is a passionate chemist from Gqeberha, South Africa, committed to advancing the research on active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturing through innovative continuous flow chemistry techniques. She began her academic journey at Nelson Mandela University, where she completed her National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. The following year, she graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Formulation Sciences, earning cum laude honours.

In 2017, Dr. Mhlana joined Professor Paul Watts’ renowned research group to pursue her MSc in Chemistry, where she focused on the novel microencapsulation of anti-TB drugs using sporopollenin, an innovative approach to drug delivery.

Dr. Mhlana’s academic ambitions led her to earn a PhD in Chemistry in the same research group, where she conducted research on the continuous flow synthesis of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine using cutting-edge microfluidic systems. Alongside her research, she also engaged in tutoring undergraduate Organic Chemistry and leading practical demonstrations.

In August 2023, Dr. Mhlana joined H3D as a postdoctoral research fellow, where she is contributing to impactful research within the Process Chemistry group. In January 2024, as part of her postdoctoral research fellowship at H3D, Dr. Mhlana travelled to the Oakcrest Institute of Science in Los Angeles, USA, for 4 months. There, she received specialized training on the Synthetron reactor, a cutting-edge continuous flow technology, further refining her expertise in process chemistry.

Beyond the lab, she is a strong advocate for scientific outreach, serving as an Eskom Expo Judge and a proud Black Women in Science (BWIS) fellow.

When she's not immersed in her research, Kanyisile finds joy in exploring new horizons, reading novels and spending quality time with family and friends.