Mr. Thabiso Motseo | Mebolomics | Young Scientist Award
PhD Student | University of South Africa | South Africa
Motseo Thabiso is an emerging agricultural scientist dedicated to advancing sustainable farming practices through research, education, and community engagement. With a strong academic foundation and hands-on field experience, Thabiso bridges the gap between theory and practice in agriculture. Currently pursuing doctoral studies, Thabiso combines a passion for soil science with innovative research on plant growth and metabolomics. Alongside academic pursuits, Thabiso serves as an educator, inspiring learners in mathematics and agricultural sciences. With a vision to contribute to food security and environmental sustainability, Thabiso continues to make meaningful contributions to the agricultural sector through research, teaching, and community development.
Professional Profile
Orcid
Education
Motseo Thabiso’s academic journey reflects a steadfast commitment to agricultural sciences. Building a strong foundation with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Soil Science, from the University of Limpopo, Thabiso further pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Free State. Advancing in research expertise, Thabiso completed a Master of Science in Agriculture at the University of South Africa, where a focus on plant metabolomics began to take shape. Currently, Thabiso is undertaking doctoral studies in Agriculture at the University of South Africa, deepening knowledge in sustainable agricultural practices and innovative soil and plant research.
Experience
Motseo Thabiso’s professional experience blends teaching and applied agricultural work. As a Mathematics and Agricultural Sciences educator at Frank Mashile Secondary School, Thabiso fosters a passion for scientific thinking and problem-solving among students. Prior to this role, Thabiso served as an Assistant Agricultural Practitioner at the Department of Rural Development, Agriculture, and Land Reform, where practical skills in crop management, soil assessment, and rural development initiatives were honed. Through these roles, Thabiso developed strong facilitation, communication, and teamwork abilities, applying them effectively to improve learning outcomes, promote agricultural literacy, and support community-focused agricultural development projects.
Research Interests
Motseo Thabiso’s research interests lie in the intersection of soil science, plant metabolomics, and sustainable agricultural practices. Central to this focus is exploring how organic amendments, such as spent coffee grounds, influence plant growth, nutrient uptake, and biochemical composition. Thabiso is particularly interested in metabolomic profiling to understand the physiological and biochemical responses of crops under different cultivation conditions. This research aims to contribute to environmentally friendly farming solutions, improve crop yield and nutritional value, and reduce agricultural waste. By integrating scientific innovation with practical applications, Thabiso’s work supports sustainable food production and climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Awards
Motseo Thabiso’s academic and professional dedication has been recognized through opportunities to contribute impactful research and teaching in agricultural sciences. Notably, the research on metabolomic profiling of Swiss chard using spent coffee grounds gained international recognition through peer-reviewed publication, highlighting scientific rigor and innovative thinking. As an educator, Thabiso has also been commended for fostering excellence in agricultural and mathematical education. These achievements reflect a growing reputation as a committed researcher and mentor, dedicated to advancing agricultural knowledge, promoting sustainable practices, and inspiring future generations to engage in science-driven agricultural development.
Top Noted Publications
Title: Determining the Effect of Different Concentrations of Spent Coffee Grounds on the Metabolomic Profile of Swiss Chard
Year: 2025
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