Next Frontiers in Advanced Materials Laboratory
Anchored at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg • BUCABUMA Host Laboratory
The Next Frontiers in Advanced Materials Laboratory (NFAML) pioneers foundational and applied breakthroughs in complex concentrated alloys (CCAs), lightweight structural steels, circular metallurgical processing, and AI-accelerated materials design, mentoring future African and international materials scientists.
Laboratory Co-Directors & Principal Investigators
Directing scientific direction, grant administration, experimental facilities, and postgraduate thesis research.
Dr. Desmond Klenam (PhD)
Dr. Klenam leads research on rational alloy design, thermodynamic CALPHAD modeling, microstructural deformation in complex concentrated alloys (CCAs), and environmental passivity kinetics in low-density Fe-Al-Mn-C lightweight steels. He coordinates postgraduate student milestones in the department and serves on the International Advisory Board of the Global Center for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing (SUNY Poly).
- Complex Concentrated & High-Entropy Alloys (CCAs/HEAs)
- In-situ Micromechanics & Slip System Dynamics (with Oxford)
- BUCABUMA Frugal Engineering & Circular Metallurgy
- Mott-Schottky Electrochemical Passivity Breakdown
Prof. Michael O. Bodunrin
Prof. Bodunrin is a leading scholar in physical and mechanical metallurgy, with extensive international research contributions in titanium alloy development, high-temperature oxidation, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), spark plasma sintering, and corrosion prevention. He co-directs the NFAML and partners extensively across multidisciplinary grant initiatives.
- Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) & Additive Manufacturing
- Titanium Matrix Composites & High-Temperature Wear
- Biomedical Alloy Tribocorrosion
- Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) Synthesis
Postgraduate Research Cohort & Supervision
Dr. Ndivhuwo Brayner Nelwalani
Co-Advisor (School of Chemical & Metallurgical Engineering)
Scholarly Outcome: Published 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, 2 manuscripts under review, and presented at 2 international conferences during doctoral research.
Dr. Shemela Hetia Maube
Co-Advisor (Department of Mechanical Engineering)
Scholarly Outcome: Published 3 critical peer-reviewed papers in leading international manufacturing and materials engineering journals prior to degree completion.
Dr. Ndivhuwo Brayner Nelwalani
Co-Advisor (School of Chemical & Metallurgical Engineering)
Scholarly Outcome: Published 3 peer-reviewed journal articles, 2 manuscripts under review, and presented at 2 international conferences during doctoral research.
Dr. Shemela Hetia Maube
Co-Advisor (Department of Mechanical Engineering)
Scholarly Outcome: Published 3 critical peer-reviewed papers in leading international manufacturing and materials engineering journals prior to degree completion.
Nicola Rundora
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Graduated with Distinction; published 3 journal papers and won the SAIMM Best Presentation Award.
Mutshidzi Redeemer Gabara
Main Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Solidification modeling and mechanical/wear performance optimization for industrial foundry applications.
Thato Edward Khumalo
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Supported by Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) & NFTN grant.
Dineo Mosoma
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Published multiple peer-reviewed papers in Int J Adv Manuf Technol and Advances in Materials Science & Engineering.
Jessica Thobejane
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Comprehensive microstructural characterization and micro-hardness profiling of sintered lightweight steels.
Pertunia Seema
Main Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Solidification cooling curve analysis and inoculant fade kinetics in industrial iron melt operations.
Zaynab Adam Cader
Main Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Formulated optimal thermodynamic windows for carbide morphology control and wear longevity.
Nicola Rundora
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Graduated with Distinction; published 3 journal papers and won the SAIMM Best Presentation Award.
Mutshidzi Redeemer Gabara
Main Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Solidification modeling and mechanical/wear performance optimization for industrial foundry applications.
Thato Edward Khumalo
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Supported by Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) & NFTN grant.
Dineo Mosoma
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Published multiple peer-reviewed papers in Int J Adv Manuf Technol and Advances in Materials Science & Engineering.
Jessica Thobejane
Co-Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Comprehensive microstructural characterization and micro-hardness profiling of sintered lightweight steels.
Pertunia Seema
Main Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Solidification cooling curve analysis and inoculant fade kinetics in industrial iron melt operations.
Zaynab Adam Cader
Main Advisor • School of Chem & Met Eng, Wits
Formulated optimal thermodynamic windows for carbide morphology control and wear longevity.
Lebedike Andrews Mampuru
Main Advisor • Wits University
Development of Mn-based structural alloys and understanding the mechanisms for energy storage applications. Supported by Mintek.
Andrews Amoako Atta Jnr
Co-Advisor • KNUST, Ghana
High-temperature oxidation properties of (FeNiCo)95-xMn5Crx non-equiatomic complex concentrated alloys.
Bridget Zuma-Rubambura
Main Advisor • Wits University
Impact of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR & AI) on the recycling of 3104 Aluminium scrap in South Africa.
Harrison Shagwira
Co-Advisor • Wits University
Predicting mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V components fabricated by wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with artificial neural networks.
Nompumelelo Venessa Nkosi
Co-Advisor • Wits University
Development of fully austenitic low-density steel for bio-implant applications. Supported by National Research Foundation (NRF).
Bongani Sekeramatsoma
Co-Advisor • Univ of Johannesburg
Development of multi-principal element alloys for hydrogen storage and green transition technologies.
Lebedike Andrews Mampuru
Main Advisor • Wits University
Development of Mn-based structural alloys and understanding the mechanisms for energy storage applications. Supported by Mintek.
Andrews Amoako Atta Jnr
Co-Advisor • KNUST, Ghana
High-temperature oxidation properties of (FeNiCo)95-xMn5Crx non-equiatomic complex concentrated alloys.
Bridget Zuma-Rubambura
Main Advisor • Wits University
Impact of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR & AI) on the recycling of 3104 Aluminium scrap in South Africa.
Harrison Shagwira
Co-Advisor • Wits University
Predicting mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V components fabricated by wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with artificial neural networks.
Nompumelelo Venessa Nkosi
Co-Advisor • Wits University
Development of fully austenitic low-density steel for bio-implant applications. Supported by National Research Foundation (NRF).
Bongani Sekeramatsoma
Co-Advisor • Univ of Johannesburg
Development of multi-principal element alloys for hydrogen storage and green transition technologies.
Decoating parameters for recycling secondary AA3104/AA5182 aluminium scrap.
Expected July 2026 • WitsArtificial neural networks for optimizing ruthenium coating corrosion on steels.
Expected July 2026 • WitsLowering high carbon levels in ferrochrome charge (CSIR/NFTN grant).
Expected July 2026 • WitsStress corrosion cracking investigation of welded oil & gas steel pipelines.
Expected Dec 2026 • WitsDecoating parameters for recycling secondary AA3104/AA5182 aluminium scrap.
Artificial neural networks for optimizing ruthenium coating corrosion on steels.
Lowering high carbon levels in ferrochrome charge (CSIR/NFTN grant).
Stress corrosion cracking investigation of welded oil & gas steel pipelines.
Teaching Portfolio & Professional Service
Certified tertiary pedagogy, core metallurgical engineering curricula, high-impact journal editorship, and continental science leadership.
Tertiary Pedagogy & Curricula Taught
Holder of a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDipHE) from the Wits School of Education. Dr. Klenam combines active learning, project-based engineering simulations, and flipped classrooms across metallurgical engineering.
Free virtual AI & machine learning courses for engineering students, training over 350 learners across 15 African nations since 2025.
Editorial Boards & Peer Review Service
Active contributor to academic publishing integrity and peer review standards across metallurgy, materials degradation, and manufacturing:
Interested in Joining Our Research Laboratory?
We welcome applications from motivated postgraduate candidates (PhD and MSc) and prospective postdoctoral researchers with backgrounds in metallurgical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, or applied physics. If you are passionate about high-entropy alloys, lightweight steels, or circular materials, get in touch with your CV and research statement.