I’m Mhlangabezi Mdutyana!

My first Southern Ocean cruise hooked me to the polar exploration, as a result I now have been part of three research cruises to the Southern Ocean and in the process managed to visit Antarctica.

My name is Mhlangabezi Mdutyana. I was born in a small town called Willowvale, and went to school in Mthatha, a town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. I am a final year PhD candidate in the Department of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. I research the role played by phytoplankton and bacteria in the cycling of nitrogen in the Southern Ocean.

Doing research is a privilege really, and I’m passionate about doing open ocean research, particularly in everything nitrogen related.

My research encompasses studying the role played by biology in controlling atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) by also looking at the seasonal interactions during nitrogen uptake by phytoplankton and bacterial oxidation throughout the different regions of the Southern Ocean.

Phytoplankton and bacterial physiological constraints are also essential in understanding the role played by phytoplankton and bacteria in the Southern Ocean. This is done through determining the uptake and oxidation rates, namely, maximum rate (Vmax) and half saturation constant (Km).These kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km) are key for understanding the role of biology in atmospheric CO2 absorption which are also useful to climate modelers.

…the more we stay and pursue our science passions, the more others who look like us will show interest.

Sharing knowledge is important for growth in sciences, I would like to do more of this particularly in my country, to ensure we raise more awareness about African people involved in polar research. As for younger Polar Explorers of color, because you are most likely be the only Black/Asian/African person in your research area of study in your lab, department, or research cruise. My advice would be, please stay there because the more we stay and pursue our science passions, the more others who look like us will show interest.

I grew up in the village, so I have an intimate connection with nature. I enjoy seeing flora and fauna, I enjoy hiking, camping and I’m also tad bit of an adrenalin junkie; activities like bungee jumping, go-karting and I’m also a sport fanatic (football/soccer, rugby, athletics etc.).

I’m inspired by different individuals for different life issues. My current science path is inspired by my current PhD advisor, her research achievements speak for themselves. I am honored to be a student under her mentoring. I would advise prospective graduates in the same career path to choose their advisors wisely.

Check out my recent publication on the work I do in the Southern Ocean here!