Wiets Neethling Email & Phone Number

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

General lab experience- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting on Konelab Prime i60 instruments, ensuring consistent performance for a wide range of water quality tests.- Operate and maintain ICP-OES systems (Agilent 5110, Avio 500, Optima 7300 DV, Optima 8300) for the analysis of metals and trace elements, ensuring precision and reliability in high-throughput testing.- Manage control charts and monitor data trends to uphold quality standards and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.- Work within a SANAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory, ensuring adherence to industry regulations for accurate and reliable test results.- Utilize the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample tracking, data entry, and result processing, streamlining workflows and maintaining data integrity.- Process, analyze, and interpret laboratory results to provide accurate and timely data, supporting decision-making and quality assurance processes.Inorganic Testing - ICP-OES (Optima 7300 DV, Optima 8300, Avio 500, Agilent 5110),- Analyzing a broad spectrum of metals and trace elements, including toxic metals like Hg, As, and U, as well as non-toxic metals such as Na, Mg, and Ca.- Operating Konelab Prime i60 instruments for comprehensive analysis of key water quality parameters, including alkalinity, various anions, and other critical compounds.- Preparing reagents, standards, and quality controls to ensure accurate testing procedures.- Operating distillers to facilitate cyanide testing.

North-West, South Africa

I contributed to multiple research projects focused on marine and freshwater ecosystems, including:Greater Marine Project: Conducted fieldwork along the South African coastline (Tsitsikamma, Chinta, Sodwana Bay), collecting and dissecting fish species. Lab work included tissue sample preparation, freeze-drying, microwave digestions, and mercury and chromium analysis using FIMS.Limpopo Project: Performed fieldwork in Mozambique and Kruger National Park, conducting water quality, sediment, and tissue sampling, as well as sample storage.In addition to hands-on field and lab work, I gained valuable experience in data analysis, report writing, and presenting scientific findings. I presented my research at two colloquiums, including SASAq’s 2023 colloquium, and showcased a poster at the SASAq's conference in 2022 as a member of the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists.

I worked as a student assistant for second years at the North-West University. The module I assisted students with was DRKN211 (Embryology and Evolution).

Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa

During my time at Ecosphere Environmental Management Services, I gained valuable experience in Water Use License Applications (WULAs) and environmental consultation. At a site in Greylingstad, Mpumalanga, I was involved in wetland delineation, water quality testing, and stream flow measurement as part of monitoring the environmental impact of excavation activities on local ecosystems, including vegetation and biota. I also became familiar with environmental legislation and compliance requirements.Additionally, I participated in on-site consultations, working alongside a Senior Environmental Consultant to assess and advise on the requirements for Water Use License Applications (WULAs). This involved conducting site assessments, providing recommendations, and ensuring compliance with relevant environmental regulations.

Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa

I was elected as Deputy-Primarius of Excelsior Men's Residence (North-West University) with the following portfolio's:- First Years,- Discipline,- Cycle Tour.During my term as Deputy-Primarius I encountered and worked along several other leaders with different backgrounds and cultures. I was also trusted with the responsibility of handling disciplinary cases in the residence, acting as the representative for Excelsior Men's Residence during disciplinaries.

Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa

I was elected as House Committee member of Excelsior Men's Residence (2019/2020) with the following portfolio's:- Recruitment,- Social media,- Communication,- Archives.During my term as House Committee I worked with different individuals form different backgrounds and cultures. In my term, I placed 5th overall out of 28 residences with the portfolio of Recruitment and in the Top 8 overall with Social Media.

Master'S Degree, Environmental Science, In Progress

Activities and Societies: - Masters in Environmental Sciences. - Senior Panel of Excelsior Men's Residence (2023). - Student Assistant.

Short Course, Ectothermic Vertebrates Handling And Ethics, Completed

Honours In Aquatic Ecosystem Health, Environmental Science, 76%

Activities and Societies: - Deputy-Primarius, with the portfolios of First Years, Cycle Tour and Discipline of Excelsior Men's Residence.

Bachelor'S Degree, Biological Sciences With Majors Zoology And Microbiology, 68%

Activities and Societies: - Degree in Zoology & Microbiology. - Rugby 1st and 2nd Team, Soccer 2nd team. - First Years concert. - Online.