Written by Odifentse Mapula-e Lehasa
They call it an odyssey—“a long voyage marked by many changes of fortune.” A PhD is certainly that: a winding path filled with highs and lows, triumphs and trials. But beyond academia, life itself is an odyssey—one of self-discovery, purpose, and perseverance.
Childhood Dreams and Growing Pains
As children, we dream boldly. Some wanted to be doctors, others superheroes. I dreamt of becoming a pilot, then a judge, then a businesswoman who would create products the world had never seen.
But somewhere along the way, life happens. The challenges pile up. We’re told to “make lemonade” from life’s lemons—forgetting that honey is also on the table. Slowly, we start believing in limits instead of possibilities. We trade our childhood courage for self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
Still, deep within each of us is that same child who once believed anything was possible. We just need to reconnect with that voice.
Let me remind you today: the world is waiting for what only you can bring.
My PhD Journey: A Winding Road
When I began my PhD in Engineering in 2022, I confidently told myself it would take me no more than two years to complete my degree. I remember saying “I mean, it can’t be that hard; it’s just a bigger version of a Master’s degree, and I already have experience with that.” Call it youthful ambition—or naive optimism. Whichever one it is, I am much wiser now.
By April 2023, just over a year in, I was ready to quit. The challenges had mounted, and my confidence had worn thin. Then I stumbled upon the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition – where the participants are required to simplify their PhD research and explain it in 3 minutes to a non-specialist audience. I told myself, “Why not? If it doesn’t work out, no one has to know.” I saw it as one final chance to prove to myself that I had what it takes.
That decision changed everything.
Preparing for 3MT reignited the fire I’d lost. It forced me to clarify my research, find my voice, and believe again. That competition became the lifeline I didn’t know I needed.
The Research Overview: AI-Driven Drug Discovery
My research focuses on building a model that merges fragmentation-based techniques with generative machine learning to design new, target-specific drugs for hypertension. While my primary focus is hypertension, this framework could also be applied to Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
I’m especially excited about the potential impact in the South African healthcare sector. With innovation like this, we could create tailored treatments that meet local needs—and save lives.
Some of the novel compounds identified by my model are currently being synthesized—a thrilling step toward real-world application.
I’m deeply grateful to Professor Uche Okonkwo.
The Mental Battle
This journey tested my mental strength in ways I never expected. I entered a PhD in engineering with a background in technology—but no formal training in chemistry, pharmacy, or bioinformatics. I feared being a fraud.
I once told my supervisor I wasn’t sure I was the right person for this work. That perhaps he’d made a mistake choosing me. I even suggested enrolling in Chemistry 101 and Pharmacy 1. But he reassured me: with the right attitude, I could learn everything I needed. And I did.
I studied like an undergraduate again—reading textbooks on AI, drug discovery, machine learning, and computational chemistry. The real PhD started in year two, when I began writing and contributing. That’s when the imposter syndrome really hit.
I felt lost, unworthy. I was ready to quit. But then came the 3MT.
In August 2023, I won first place in the UJ 3MT competition. Later, I placed second in the National competition and first in the SADC regional round. That process helped me fall in love with my work again—and reminded me why I started.
Year Three: A Miracle in Motion
The final year felt miraculous—though I know it was God’s hand at work. I completed 75% of my research and submitted five academic papers for publication with my supervisor.
This PhD is not mine alone. It’s a testament to God’s grace—and to the people who walked this journey with me: family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and of course, my supervisor.
The Power of a Vision
When I was at my lowest in the PhD journey, ready to throw in the towel, it was difficult to see the goal achieved. So, I decided to draw a picture of what the end (the goal) would look like. I pulled out a piece of paper and drew a picture of myself graduating, and wrote 2 bible verses – Habakkuk 2v2-3 and Matthew 7v7-8.
It was a very simple drawing, but it held so much power. I put this picture up on my computer and cellphone wallpaper, as a constant reminder of who I would become – Dr Odifentse M. Lehasa (PhD).
You Were Made for This
This degree isn’t just a line on a CV—it’s purpose. A responsibility. A platform to make real change. The world is waiting for all of us to rise. Let’s not gatekeep the knowledge we possess or shrink in fear. We were chosen for such a time as this. So, rise up. Believe again. The world is waiting for you.
Advice to those pursuing or seeking to pursue a PhD – 10 Things I Wish I Knew
- Forgive and Grow – Let go of past failures so you can move forward.
- Keep Moving – If you can’t fly, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But keep going.
- Lead with Logic, Not Emotion – Control your emotions before they control you.
- Declare Your Dreams – Stand boldly for your vision—even if others don’t understand it.
- Expect Good Things – Your struggle is temporary. Believe that better days are coming.
- There’s Always a Way – If your ‘why’ is strong, you’ll figure out the ‘how’.
- Own Your Journey – Your choices shape your future. Take full responsibility.
- Reinvent When Needed – Change your approach if your current one isn’t working.
- Know Who You Are – Your value isn’t just in what you do, but who you are.
- Don’t Isolate Yourself – Seek help. Simplify problems. Don’t suffer alone.
