Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Professor Priscilla Baker – Analytical Chemistry – University of the Western Cape – Opportunities
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Professor Priscilla Baker – Analytical Chemistry – University of the Western Cape – Opportunities
This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Priscilla Baker from the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Western Cape. She holds the South African Research Chair for Analytical Systems and Processes for Priority and Emerging Contaminants (ASPPEC) and is co-director of multiple prestigious research platforms including SensorLab and Synergy Lab, and the director of the Nano Micro Manufacturing Facility. This year, she was awarded the 2025 L’Oreal UNESCO Laureate for Africa and the Arab States.
The conversation opens with a reflection on one of her early quotes: “Nobody gives you opportunities; they present themselves to you, and it’s up to you to see them and seize them.” This sentiment has shaped a career defined by self-initiative, strategic thinking, and a determination to create opportunity not only for herself, but for generations of scientists to come.
Early Foundations: From Oceanography to Analytical Chemistry
Professor Baker recounts her educational journey, navigating life choices in the latter years of apartheid in South Africa, a time of deep political unrest and educational disruption. She describes how, despite being a “C-average” student, she was accepted into UCT, where she originally studied physical oceanography and pivoted into analytical chemistry. Her story underscores the importance of allowing young people to evolve academically, and of creating space for non-linear career paths in STEM.
The Power of Focused Excellence
At the core of Professor Baker’s work is a deep belief in pursuing excellence with a niche specialisation. For Prof. Baker, it’s analytical chemistry. This discipline intersects with manufacturing, health, water quality, food safety, and climate science. She emphasizes that her work is not simply about scientific discovery, but about translating science into practical tools that improve people’s lives, particularly in resource-constrained communities. Her philosophy of science is rooted in service, ethics, integrity, and impact.
On Winning the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award
Receiving the L’Oréal–UNESCO Award (from approximately 500 nominees) was a deeply humbling moment for Professor Baker. She sees the award not as an endpoint but as a platform to inspire others, elevate African science on the global stage, and reaffirm that excellence can come from anywhere when purpose meets preparation. It’s not the trophy itself, she says, but the journey, the sacrifices, and the support of her university, mentors, and family that made the moment so meaningful.
Mentorship, Legacy & Women in STEM
A passionate mentor, Professor Baker has invested decades in shaping the next generation of scientists. She offers grounded and nuanced advice to young women in STEM: follow your passion, but understand that passions shift over time, and that’s okay. Balance motherhood and ambition, reflect often, and always be building towards a purposeful legacy. She cautions against chasing fame or fast success, reminding listeners that the most enduring achievements are rooted in discipline, patience, and service.
She also speaks candidly about the importance of not exploiting gender-based opportunities, but rather stepping into them with accountability and impact. “Make it count,” she says, because how we use these opportunities now will shape what’s possible for generations of women after us.
Tune in for more…
View all episodes
This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Priscilla Baker from the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Western Cape. She holds the South African Research Chair for Analytical Systems and Processes for Priority and Emerging Contaminants (ASPPEC) and is co-director of multiple prestigious research platforms including SensorLab and Synergy Lab, and the director of the Nano Micro Manufacturing Facility. This year, she was awarded the 2025 L’Oreal UNESCO Laureate for Africa and the Arab States.
The conversation opens with a reflection on one of her early quotes: “Nobody gives you opportunities; they present themselves to you, and it’s up to you to see them and seize them.” This sentiment has shaped a career defined by self-initiative, strategic thinking, and a determination to create opportunity not only for herself, but for generations of scientists to come.
Early Foundations: From Oceanography to Analytical Chemistry
Professor Baker recounts her educational journey, navigating life choices in the latter years of apartheid in South Africa, a time of deep political unrest and educational disruption. She describes how, despite being a “C-average” student, she was accepted into UCT, where she originally studied physical oceanography and pivoted into analytical chemistry. Her story underscores the importance of allowing young people to evolve academically, and of creating space for non-linear career paths in STEM.
The Power of Focused Excellence
At the core of Professor Baker’s work is a deep belief in pursuing excellence with a niche specialisation. For Prof. Baker, it’s analytical chemistry. This discipline intersects with manufacturing, health, water quality, food safety, and climate science. She emphasizes that her work is not simply about scientific discovery, but about translating science into practical tools that improve people’s lives, particularly in resource-constrained communities. Her philosophy of science is rooted in service, ethics, integrity, and impact.
On Winning the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award
Receiving the L’Oréal–UNESCO Award (from approximately 500 nominees) was a deeply humbling moment for Professor Baker. She sees the award not as an endpoint but as a platform to inspire others, elevate African science on the global stage, and reaffirm that excellence can come from anywhere when purpose meets preparation. It’s not the trophy itself, she says, but the journey, the sacrifices, and the support of her university, mentors, and family that made the moment so meaningful.
Mentorship, Legacy & Women in STEM
A passionate mentor, Professor Baker has invested decades in shaping the next generation of scientists. She offers grounded and nuanced advice to young women in STEM: follow your passion, but understand that passions shift over time, and that’s okay. Balance motherhood and ambition, reflect often, and always be building towards a purposeful legacy. She cautions against chasing fame or fast success, reminding listeners that the most enduring achievements are rooted in discipline, patience, and service.
She also speaks candidly about the importance of not exploiting gender-based opportunities, but rather stepping into them with accountability and impact. “Make it count,” she says, because how we use these opportunities now will shape what’s possible for generations of women after us.
Tune in for more…