Kerisha Raghunandan

Stakeholder Engagement Portfolio: Developing a comprehensive strategy to engage primary and secondary stakeholders by continuously communicating through various mediums (live events, digital communication, newsletters, SAMAC App, industry journal, etc.), the latest and most relevant information. The strategy includes identifying additional information that would add value to industry stakeholders and presenting/planning at events and trade shows. Market Access & Development Portfolio: Participating in the Market Access and Development Committee who play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the South African macadamia industry. Tasked with devising robust strategies for both market access and development, the Committee aims to propel the industry forward by identifying market growth opportunities, fostering local and international relationships, lobby for tariff reductions and staying agile in the face of evolving market dynamics.

Content evaluation, content acquisition and maintenance of existing content collaborations on Harvard University’s LabXchange platform. Hiring and leading a dedicated team of curators tasked with supporting evaluation and uploading of content to the LabXchange library. In addition, there is a keen focus on quality control of all content in the LabXchange library as well as a range of library management/maintenance tasks to ensure standardization and accurate asset management in the library. There is a constant focus on process development, the use of AI to streamline manual tasks and ensure goals are met timeously with minimal error. Process refinement is a constant focus to ensure implemented processes are managed in consultation with our client(s). Adherence to quality is a key part of the role across all tasks. Regular assessment of current special projects being undertaken and the value/execution each one brings to the individual and the organisation. Further work includes investigating and learning about existing/new work through attending indabas, conferences and various EdTech events.

Responsible for curating digital content from a variety of sources for Harvard University’s online learning platform, LabXchange. Assisting Subject Matter Experts in ensuring that the content loaded onto the platform is of high quality. Required to be tech-savvy with a good eye for detail. HTML or basic coding involved in some tasks. Main responsibilities include creating metadata for digital assets, developing best practices for digital content curation, liaising with collaborators regarding onboarding of assets, proactively resolving issues around curation and seeking opportunities for improvement of work flows. Assisting in managing the Curation team. Assisting liaison during procurement of potential users of LabXchange through marketing webinars.

Design and management of all material related to communications for the South African Sugar Technologist's Association (SASTA). Management of SASTA social media outputs. Event co-ordination, delegate events & advertising for the SASTA Symposium Organising Committee.

Co-ordinating the publications output for SASRI, which entails identifying suitable material, eliciting, collecting and approving submissions for all SASRI publications. Internal communication of all new publications on digital and written platforms. Conducting face-to-face interviews. Serving as technical and language editor for all SASRI publications. Contributing to the lay-out designs of presentations and publications. Managing an electronic database of publications, ensuring that indexes are updated with the latest technology outputs. Offering support to specialists from varied fields in regards to appropriate content and writing style according to the target publication. Assisting with the co-ordination of all training material for the in-house certificate courses. Liaising extensively with internal and external contributors to ensure relevance of submissions. Contributions to social media accounts and website content.

Research and development of soil biology methods (total carbon, nitrogen, microbial biomass) MIR technology development

Conducting a wide range of specialised soil, leaf and water analyses using prescribed techniques. Ensuring that a high standard of accuracy is maintained. Developing and implementing new analytical techniques. Operating and maintaining new and existing instrumentation, including the AA and UV spectrophotometers, and auto-analyser (segmented flow). Preparing and maintaining stocks of reagents and standard solutions used in non-routine analysis in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. Documenting chemical procedures and methods. Providing information on milestones and outcomes from the Laboratory. Collating and maintaining raw and processed laboratory, glasshouse and field trial data in assigned project files. Assisting in the preparation of material for demonstrations and practicals in the Senior Certificate Course. nitoring and reporting on quality control in analytical procedures

Research Project: Bioprocessing of Biodiesel Waste Crude Glycerol into Value-added Fermentation Products using Adapted bacteria

Demonstrating the use of various laboratory instruments and techniques to undergraduate students as well as ensuring the implementation of laboratory rules and correct protocols. Marking and grading of laboratory practical reports for the technician in charge. Invigilating class tests, Ensuring safe lab practise. Communicating and co-operating with a variety of students at different academic levels as both individuals and in groups.

Making sales, Meeting sales targets, Networking with customers on a daily basis, General maintenance of the store, Cash-up, Replenishing, Answering calls, Assistance in Window Design and dressing mannequins

Research Project: Bioprocessing of Biodiesel Waste Crude Glycerol into Value-added Fermentation Products using Adapted bacteria