Marjorie Mujaji

Marjorie Mujaji is a senior lecturer in the School of Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Marjorie, who originally hails from Zimbabwe, was awarded the first Wits African Scholars Visiting Fellowship in 1996.

What she does
Her work comprises research, teaching and administration. In the area of laser spectroscopy, she is presently pursuing two projects:

• using a dye laser to selectively excite optically active impurities or inclusions in transparent crystalline hosts. This work finds applications in areas such as optical storage, medicine and underwater communication; and
• using Raman scattering spectroscopy to study the superionic behaviour of solids. This has possible applications in electrochemical devices.

Why physics?
She enjoys physics research and the flexible working hours in academia. There is no monotony…. particularly in the research!

Her goals for the future
For any academic, professorship is the ultimate goal. She hopes to get there sooner rather than later. A significant research result along the way would also make it all worthwhile. She also hopes to stimulate interest in physics, especially amongst women.

The future of physics in South Africa?
Many of the modern technologies are physics driven and learners are exposed to some of these at an early age. This brings curiosity, awareness and can even generate interest in the subject. If nurtured properly, in due course, these qualities lead to a desire to pursue a physics-related career. Teachers play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between mere curiosity and a deep interest in the subject.

At universities, more should be done to attract good students to the subject and retain them. Some effort should also be directed at increasing the number of students for whom physics is a first choice.

Advice to prospective female Physics students?
Think of yourself as a 'student' rather than a 'female student'. You need to believe in yourself. We achieve whatever we set our minds to, often beyond expectation. There are lots of job opportunities, not only in physics per se, but in other fields as well where physics training stands you in good stead.