2024 has been an incredible year of growth and new ventures. One of the highlights of my journey this year has been launching my African streetwear clothing brand, M’Afrika By Kolisa. This dream was inspired by my love for African culture, storytelling, and self-expression, and I’m thrilled to share the story of how it all…
Author: Dr Kolisa Yola Sinyanya
I have a PhD in Ocean Biogeochemistry from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. I am also the Founder and Director at Ulwazi Scientific Communications and STEM Research. One of my life's passions are fashion and this led me to create and turn M'Afrika By Kolisa African Streetwear into a fashion business. My passions include science communication and making science accessible and look cool because it is.
The Transformative Impact of NEWF on my career: From Speaker to Fellow and Beyond
A Moment of Pride: Speaking at NEWF Congress 2019 In 2019, I had the honour of being invited as a “New Voices” speaker at the Nature, Environment, and Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF) Congress. This platform is a melting pot of creatives, scientists, and environmental storytellers, all united by a passion for driving impactful change. Standing on…
Experiencing the Complexities of Early Career Academia: My Experience with Publication Challenges
The journey of an early-career researcher is often filled with triumphs and challenges. One such experience brought significant recognition and valuable lessons but left me grappling with questions about equity in academic systems. This reflects on that journey and the systemic issues it highlighted, which are relevant to many early-career scientists. A Prestigious Honor and…
Navigating the Future: My Journey with the International Ocean Institute’s Ocean Governance Training
The ocean is the beating heart of our planet, connecting nations, cultures, and ecosystems. As someone deeply invested in ocean biogeochemistry and sustainable development, I’ve always believed that science and policy must work hand in hand to ensure the health and longevity of our marine environments. This conviction led me to take part in the…
Dr Sinyanya’s Journey as an AGU CoP Global Ambassador: Empowering Communities and Advancing Geoscience
As a passionate advocate for science and its transformative power, I had the privilege of serving as the 2022- 2023 Global Ambassador for the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Community of Practice (CoP). This role allowed me to deepen my engagement with the global scientific community, strengthen collaborations, and amplify the voices of diverse researchers across…
Significant challenges that have turned into blessings
As the year ends, I’m reflecting on a significant challenge I faced just before the completion of my PhD because I had ideas I wanted to implement. However, the national funder would only fund projects they approved of, which did not particularly interest me. What I wanted to achieve with my PhD had never been…
Dr Kolisa Sinyanya Represents Ulwazi at the South African Parliament’s Inaugural Weekly Committee Cluster Media Briefing
I had the pleasure of representing Ulwazi Scientific Communications and STEM Research at the first-ever Weekly Committee Cluster Media Briefing in the South African Parliament. This landmark event united the leaders of four parliamentary oversight committees to underscore their commitment to financial accountability and governance excellence. The briefing marks a significant milestone in promoting transparency…
Dr Kolisa Yola Sinyanya’s PhD work in Forbes Science: How Do Ocean Microbes Change the Climate?
Thanks to Andrew Wight, a science journalist covering the Global South at Forbes! Forbes Science documented my PhD work on how microscopic powerhouses known as phytoplankton contribute to global climate systems in ways you might not expect. Microscopic Life, Massive Impact: How Ocean Microbes Manage Carbon When most people think about tackling climate change, they…
Dr Kolisa Yola Sinyanya’s PhD Work is Paving the Way for Climate Solutions: Exploring the Indian Ocean’s Agulhas Current
My groundbreaking PhD research, Wintertime Productivity and Carbon Export Potential Across the Agulhas Current System opens new doors in climate science and oceanography. By focusing on the Agulhas Current, one of the world’s most dynamic ocean systems, my work provides critical insights into how the Indian Ocean influences the global carbon cycle. What makes this…
Elected to Lead the Biodiversity Team at the Galway Statement 10-Year Anniversary in Ireland, Galway
During my birth month and a few months before submitting my PhD, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a team leader at the 10-year anniversary of the Galway Statement in Galway, Ireland. This gathering brought together ocean researchers, policy makers, and advocates from across the Atlantic, each with a shared vision of creating…
Dr Kolisa Yola Sinyanya Wins Prestigious SAIMI Imbokodo in Maritime Pioneer in Research and Innovation Award
I am incredibly honoured to share that I have been awarded the Imbokodo in Maritime Pioneer in Research and Innovation award by the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI). This recognition came as a huge surprise — not only did I not know that I had been nominated, but I wasn’t even aware that the…
My CNN Feature: Breaking New Ground as a South African Scientist
During my PhD, as I was deep in research, I was contacted by CNN producers who were referred to me by my late friend and colleague, Ndoni Mchunu. I had the incredible honour of being featured on CNN Inside Africa in a segment highlighting South African scientists breaking new ground. It was a surreal moment…
Dr Kolisa Yola Sinyanya 