Tawanda has an inherent capacity to make people feel at ease. He has a welcoming disposition and a passion for creating impact. With excellent qualitative and quantitative research skills he is well positioned to help create positive social impact through his work.
His adaptability has enabled him to successfully move between countries and careers. While studying his Bachelor’s degree in Genetics and Biochemistry at the University of Cape Town, Tawanda honed his analytical and research skills studying maize lines. He also developed his measurement and evaluation skills whilst studying the DNA damage in Xerophyta humilis leaf cells. Whilst working on the same organism, he also demonstrated innovative thinking, as there was no model organism to use as a reference point. While he enjoyed seeing the positive impact of this project, he felt a need to shift his focus. He decided to shift from quantitative research to a more qualitative realm. In this way he could analyse complex systems in a broader context.
Tawanda moved to Australia to undertake a Master in Strategic Studies at the Australian National University. Here he developed a tenacity for a more human-centred approach to problem solving. His studies and experiences have provided him with tools to evaluate systems from different perspectives, and to co-design in order to create impact. He hopes to carry on this trajectory of implementing change here within the ThinkPlace community.
