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Dheepak Maharajh was born in Durban, a city famous for its golden beaches and warm waters. He grew up in Silverglen, a suburb of Chatsworth. He obtained a BTech degree in biotechnology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), and subsequently completed a Master’s degree in bioprocess engineering from Stellenbosch University, which he achieved cum laude. He is currently in the process of preparing a proposal for his PhD studies at University of Cape Town (UCT).
“From as early as primary school, I developed a keen interest in science and as I matured, this passion increased. My areas of expertise include bioprocess development, fermentation, algal biotechnology and downstream process development. I therefore do not see myself leaving my science career for anything else. Once a scientist, always a scientist,” says Dheepak with pride.
“CSIR researchers have the advantage of not having a routine job. Every day is a new challenge. We are allowed to research aspects of science that excite us and have the autonomy to innovate,” says Dheepak. Apart for the various technology packages and spin-out companies that he has created, Dheepak has also made a meaningful contribution in stimulating great interest in the field of algal fuel production both within Biosciences as well as the CSIR as a whole.
His enthusiasm was initially met with scepticism but perseverance has led to the recognition of this field both at the unit and CSIR levels, which resulted in three projects that are funded by competitive funding streams – the bioprospecting for lipid producing microalgae, funded by the technology innovation agency (TIA) for five million rand including Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) as consortium partners; the production of omega 3 fatty acids; and the development of a process for the production of biodiesel from algae funded by the CSIR thematic B fund.
Dheepak has achieved a lot as a scientist; he was part of the team that won the Biosciences outstanding contribution by a team award in 2006; scooped an award for Biosciences promising young researcher award in 2008; was voted Biosciences graduate of the year in 2009; and won the best Master’s student award in 2009 at Stellenbosch University Process Engineering Department. When asked about his source of inspiration Dheepak said, “My wife Yashina is a strong, remarkable woman who supports me in my career and studies. My son Rohan, also keeps me busy and enjoys joining me on my off-road adventures.” There is an old adage that proclaims, ‘behind every successful man, there is a woman’, which has made Dheepak stand out amongst his peers.
CSIR Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Relations:
Josephine Moiloa, email: Josephine Moiloa |
