Staff Profiles

Bachelor of Education Chemistry

Master of Science Physical chemistry

PhD in inorganic chemistry

Dr. Fortunate Phenyo Sejie is an accomplished chemist with a diverse background in material science and computational chemistry. Her journey began with a Master’s degree from the University of Botswana, where she investigated nanoparticles and their applications in water remediation. She furthered her expertise through pivotal research roles, including stints at the University of Cape Town, Cardiff University, and the University of Johannesburg, focusing on hydrogenation reactions, biodiesel valorization, synthesis and characterization of homogeneous catalysts as well as nanoparticle synthesis, characterization and application. Her doctoral research at the University of Botswana, complemented by advanced training in machine learning and public speaking, underscores her commitment to scientific innovation and professional development. Dr. Sejie’s work integrates sophisticated techniques and software, reflecting her significant contributions to her field and her dedication to advancing both research and science communication. She also served as a seasoned chemistry teacher for the government of Botswana. Her role in the synthesis of Nickel (II), Cobalt (II), and Palladium (II) complexes, alongside her expertise in a variety of characterization techniques such as TEM, SEM-EDAX, PXRD, XPS, ICP-MS/OES, and NMR spectroscopy(Just to mention a few), underscores her comprehensive skill set in material science and chemistry.

Dr. Fortunate Phenyo Sejie teaches both undergraduate and graduate chemistry courses, covering a range of advanced topics. Her classes include Organometallic Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry, and Advanced Topics in Materials Science, with a particular focus on their applications in catalytic processes.

1. Design of  nanomaterials for catalytic reactions 

2. Renewable energy-Biomass valorization 

3. Material for water purification

a. Renewable energy

b. Design, Synthesis, characterization and application of homogeneous & heterogeneous catalysts

1. Sejie, F. P., et al Nanocellulose surface modification reactions and their influence on the adsorption of heavy metal ions from water -A Review. Chemical Review and Letters, 2023; (): -. doi: 10.22034/crl.2023.411755.1238

2. Fortunate P. Sejie , et al, The Transfer Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde Using Homogeneous Cobalt(II) and Nickel(II)(E)-1-(Pyridin-2-yl)-N-(3- (triethoxysilyl)propyl)methanimine and the Complexes Anchored on Fe3O4Support as PreCatalysts: An Experimental and In Silico Approach, Molecules, 2023,28, 659. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020659

3. Fortunate Phenyo Sejie, etal, 2016,Removal of Methyl Orange (MO) from Water Adsorption onto Modified Local Clay (Kaolinite), Journal of Physical Chemistry, 2(6) pp. 39-48.

4. James T.P.Matshwele, Florence Nareetsile, MasegoTebogo, OfentseMazimba, Fortunate P.Sejie(Masita), LebogangJulius, MosimanegapeJongman, Sebusi Odisitse, Physicochemical properties, crystal structures, antibacterial properties and in silico characterization of cobalt and copper metal complexes and their acido complex crystals with 4-chloromethylpyridine, Polyhedron,226, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2022.116085