Ms Jana Botha, a postgraduate student in chemistry, is the recipient of the Faculty of Science's Dean's medal for continuous excellent performance.

The medal, cast in solid silver, is awarded annually to an honours student who scores the highest average percentage throughout both the BSc and BSc honours programmes. Botha managed to consistently achieve an average of 86% and higher, and completed both her BSc and BScHons degrees with distinction.

She says the achievement did not come without sacrifice: “Despite the hard work and long hours, I find chemistry very interesting. There are still so many topics in chemistry to be explored. I like the fact that the theory is based on mathematics, mechanisms and logical arguments. That is why chemistry requires so many hours of study. One needs to understand how these arguments and theories fit together before it can be applied further."

Botha, a former learner from Strand High School, is currently busy with her MSc in chemistry under Dr M.A.L Blackie in the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science.

Her advice to other BSc students studying in this difficult field? “Do not learn chemistry like a parrot. Rather try to understand the work in a way that makes sense to you and then ask 'Why do they do it that way?'. Try to understand the relevance of the work.

“If you study chemistry by rote learning, you are firstly going to forget it very quickly; and secondly, you are not going to enjoy it. You will never experience that 'lightbulb' moments when you finally understanding something," she adds.

Both her parents are Maties alumni. Her father, Mr Gert Botha, is a mechanical engineer, and her mother, Mrs Hanlie Botha, is an analytical chemist and works as technical officer in SU's Department of Process Engineering.

Above: Former learner from Strand High School, Ms Jana Botha, is the recipient of the prestigious Dean's medal, awarded to the best BSc student in Stellenbosch University's Faculty of  Science. The medal was handed to her by the Dean, Prof Louise Warnich, during a special function on Thursday 2 November 2017. Photo: Wiida Fourie-Basson