Prof Rachel Fanelwa (Nee’Ngece) Ajayi is an Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry in the Chemistry Department, as well as the acting Deputy Dean of Research in the Science Faculty, at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She is also one of the laboratory lead researchers at the SensorLab laboratories, which are also based at UWC. At SensorLab she specializes in research that involves the development of drug metabolism sensors using various green method synthesized metallic nanomaterials while also discovering a range of biological applications for them. Her research findings are found in her publications in the form of research publications and book chapters. She has strong research collaborations locally and internationally and her research expertise is often requested at local and international journal review panels, conference organizing committees, and funding award panels. Her education advocacy work can be seen through her non-profit organizations AmaQawe ngeMfundo, Chemistry Education South Africa, KasiMaths, and the Akeelah foundation. She is a member of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI), the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), and a member of the South African Young Academy of Sciences (SAYAS). She is also the recipient of many local and international awards for her research and community engagement endeavors.