“Dr Ali Johra Said earns PhD at VUT for pioneering biodiesel research using steel slag. A story of grit, science, and academic triumph.”
19 September 2025 | Story By: Thabisang Thebeeapelo | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
2 minutes read time.
On Tuesday, 16 September 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) proudly celebrated one of its brightest scholars, Dr Ali Johra Said, originally from Kenya, who was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Engineering.
Her thesis, “Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using Iron and Steel Industry Slag as Heterogeneous Catalyst,” is more than a scientific milestone; it is a bold step in the global search for renewable energy solutions. By turning waste into innovation, Dr Said demonstrated that industrial by-products such as iron and steel slag can play a pivotal role in producing cleaner, eco-friendly biodiesel.
For Dr Said, the achievement is deeply personal. She recalls long days and sleepless nights spent in the laboratory: “Monday to Monday, with no weekends and no social life. I am so proud of myself,” she said with a smile, her words carrying the weight of sacrifice and triumph.
Yet, she is quick to acknowledge that a PhD is never won alone. “Obtaining a PhD is not a single-person journey; it’s a collaboration,” she explained, crediting her faculty mentors, research networks, and conference opportunities for providing guidance along the way.
The road was not without obstacles. Limited access to advanced science facilities at VUT meant she had to lean on external networks to complete vital analyses. But perseverance, resourcefulness, and support from her community saw her through.
Dr Said’s reflections extend beyond her own journey. With a firm belief in the power of education, she urged young people to trust their potential: “In a world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and people thinking AI is taking over everything, it cannot replace the intellect of the human brain. The best way to manifest that intellect is through education. So go out there, further your studies, and believe in yourself.”
Her heartfelt gratitude extends to her supervisor, Professor Hilary Rutto, her fiancé, and her beloved mother and son in Kenya, whose unwavering encouragement anchored her throughout the journey.
Dr Said’s story stands as a beacon of hope for young scholars, especially women in STEM, proving that with determination, courage, and the right support, even the most ambitious dreams can be realised.