Staff Profiles

PhD Chemistry (BIUST, 2020 - 2023)

MSc Chemistry (BIUST, 2017 - 2019)

BSc Chemistry and Environmental Science (UB, 2012 - 2015)

BSc (Part 1) (BUAN, 2011 - 2012)

Dr. James Papiso Thomas Matshwele, known as “Jimmah,” was born in Serowe, Botswana, in 1993 and raised in Tlokweng. His early education at Batlokwa National School, Tlokweng CJSS, and Naledi Secondary School nurtured his strong aptitude for science. Despite the challenges of undiagnosed ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, his resilience and dedication led him to pursue a career in research and education. He began his academic journey at BUAN before transferring to the University of Botswana, where he earned a degree in Environmental Chemistry in 2015. He later completed his MSc and PhD at BIUST, specializing in bioactive transition metal complexes. As Head of Applied Sciences at Botho University (2021–2023), he led curriculum development and supported interdisciplinary research. His work spans environmental chemistry, focusing on dye-sensitized solar cells, biodiesel production, and redox flow battery electrolytes, as well as bioinorganic chemistry, where he investigates metallodrug design and testing. Driven by Botswana’s Vision 2036 and the SDGs, Dr. Matshwele is committed to advancing scientific research and fostering impactful collaborations that contribute to global innovation.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses: 

General Chemistry

Bioinorganic Chemistry 

Main group Chemistry

Coordination Chemistry

Solid State Chemistry

Molecular Symmetry 

Bioinorganic Chemistry

• MetalloDrug Design, Synthesis, and Testing
• Artificially and Biochemically Synthesized Bio-Oxygen Carriers

Renewable Energy Technology

• Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
• Redox Flow Batteries
• Biodiesel Production
• Layered Transition Metal Oxides as cathode materials in solid-state batteries 

Green Nano Chemistry (New)

• Nanoparticles and Quantum Nanostructures for Health, Energy, and Environmental Applications

Bioinorganic chemistry
- Metallodrug design, synthesis, and testing
- Bio-inspired oxygen carriers
Renewable energy innovations

-(DSSCs, redox flow batteries, solid-state batteries, biodiesel)
Eco-friendly nanomaterials 
- Green nano chemistry for sustainable applications

1. Matshwele, James TP, Sebusi Odisitse, Ofentse Mazimba, Taye B. Demissie, Moses O. Koobotse, Daphne T. Mapolelo, Keagile Bati et al. "Cobalt Pyridyl Complexes Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial Properties, Mode of Action, and Molecular Docking Studies." Inorganica Chimica Acta (2024): 121911
2.  Matshwele, James TP, Mosimanegape Jongman, Taye B. Demissie, Moses O. Koobotse, Ofentse Mazimba, Daphne Mapolelo, Keagile Bati et al. "Reduction of Bacterial Folic Acid Production and Cell Membrane Disruption of Klebsiella pneumoniae by Two Amino Substituted Pyridyl Compounds: An Experimental and In Silico Approach." Chemistry Africa (2023): 1-11.,
3. Matshwele, James TP, Florence Nareetsile, Masego Tebogo, Ofentse Mazimba, Fortunate P. Masita, Lebogang Julius, Mosimanegape Jongman, and Sebusi Odisitse. "Physicochemical properties, crystal structures, antibacterial properties and in silico characterization of cobalt and copper metal complexes and their acido complex crystals with 4-chloromethylpyridine." Polyhedron 226 (2022): 11608

• Scopus:  https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57216181642