Dr. Bambesiwe Mbesi May is a passionate researcher, mentor, and entrepreneur dedicated to advancing research excellence, innovation, and sustainable solutions in mining, environmental sciences, and beyond. She is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Stellenbosch University within the African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Geometallurgy Research Chair, and the Founder of Dr. Mbesi Research Hub a platform created to support researchers, students, and professionals through tailored research services, mentorship, and science communication. Prior to obtaining her Ph.D., Dr. Mbesi May developed significant expertise in advanced material synthesis (nanotechnology) and their applications in biology, pollutant detection, and water remediation. Her Ph.D. research at the University of South Africa focused on the development of magnetofluorescent materials for pollutant monitoring and remediation in water, a project that combined innovation in material science with environmental sustainability.

After completing her Ph.D., she expanded her research into environmental geochemistry, waste assessment and classification, and mine waste valorization and declassification for secondary resource realization, contributing to more sustainable and circular economy practices in the mining sector. Her work aims to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and industrial application.

During her Ph.D. studies, she served as a Pre-Doctoral Researcher at Mintek through a program funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), leading projects on wastewater treatment, precious metal recovery, and optical nanosensor development. Throughout her academic career, she has been consistently supported by NRF grants, which have significantly advanced her research activities.

Her professional experience also includes working as a Geochemist at Digby Wells Environmental, where she specialized in environmental geochemical assessments, waste classification, and supporting integrated environmental impact assessments. Dr. Mbesi May has published 23 peer-reviewed articles, has accumulated 263 citations, and holds an H-index of 8 underscoring her scientific impact. She has successfully secured over 2 million Rand in research grant funding and continues to present her research at local and international conferences. She actively mentors and co-supervises postgraduate students, fostering the growth of the next generation of researchers.

Beyond her academic and research pursuits, she is a participant of the CDKN Early Career Researcher Fellowship journey, the founder of the Kwande Education Foundation — an NPO focused on empowering young graduates — and leads declassification studies for waste valorization through her company GreenTech Waste Solutions, demonstrating the transition from waste to resource. Her achievements include being selected as a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow (Leadership in Business Track, Purdue University) and being one of eight young scientists selected to attend the prestigious 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting dedicated to Physics. In 2023, she was honored with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) South African Women in Science Award (SAWISA) in the DSI Doctoral Fellowship category.Through Dr. Mbesi Research Hub, she remains committed to supporting academic excellence, promoting sustainable innovations, and helping researchers realize their full potential.