The modern, technology-driven world is supported by the work of researchers who perform the foundational work required to make modern technologies come to life. One of those researchers is Dr Kagiso Loeto, a materials science researcher focusing on solid-state physics and electronics.
Dr Loeto's work sheds light on the physical properties of materials and how they can be applied to everyday electronic devices and technologies.
In this interview, the Serowe native and Mater Spei College alumnus discusses his early love for science, how he progressed from being one of the best-performing BGCSE students in the country to attaining a PhD from the University of Cambridge, and much more.
In your own words, please tell us who Kagiso Loeto is
I am a 30-year-old Motswana currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at a research institute in Berlin, Germany. I have been in this position for nearly a year now, following the completion of my PhD at the University of Cambridge in late 2023.
My academic and research focus is in Materials Science, with a particular interest in solid-state physics and electronics. This means I work on understanding the physical properties of materials and how they can be applied to various electronic devices and technologies.
Please share your career journey from the early beginnings to your current role
Unsurprisingly, I have always been fascinated by science and understanding from a very young age. I was one of those kids who loved learning about science, history, and nature from channels like Discovery and History, back when they focused on educational content rather than reality TV. Initially, my curiosity spanned everything—physics, chemistry, biology—but by the time I reached high school, it became clear that physics was my true passion.
In 2013, I was fortunate to receive a full scholarship through Botswana's Top Achievers program, funded by the government. This scholarship supported my academic journey from A-Levels all the way through to my PhD in the United Kingdom. It was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to study at some of the world’s top universities, including Imperial College London for my undergraduate degree and the University of Cambridge for my PhD.
Although I eventually pursued Materials Science at university, the path to get there wasn’t straightforward. Initially, I was more fascinated by astrophysics and astronomy. Stargazing and contemplating the origins of the universe, stars, and other celestial bodies filled me with a sense of purpose and wonder. However, these questions always felt distant, focused on external phenomena far removed from my immediate physical world.
Materials Science, on the other hand, brought me closer to solving current technological and engineering challenges that have real-world applications and relevance to society today. It grounded my curiosity in something more tangible and impactful in our everyday lives.
What stoked your interest in and love for science and research?
For me, it has always been about natural curiosity more than anything else. Of course, there are broader implications for the work I do, but ultimately, it’s not just about the potential achievements—it's about what I can learn along the way. This sense of curiosity has always driven me. In a way, I think this feeling is quite common among people in academia.
I believe that, in one form or another, the desire to keep learning is the key motivator for most researchers. A lot of the time, experiments don't go as planned, and things don’t work out as expected, but we persist because, at the end of the day, every failure or setback is still an opportunity to learn something new. It’s this ongoing process of discovery that keeps me passionate about research.
Your field of research is semiconductor physics. In layman's terms, please explain what this field explores.
Semiconductors are arguably the most crucial class of materials when it comes to their impact on human society. This is how Silicon Valley got its name for example. It is named after one such semiconductor (silicon), the workhorse of the electronics industry. Semiconductors have revolutionized everything from telecommunications—such as TVs, smartphones, and computers—to clean energy generation through photovoltaics, and even cost-efficient lighting and display technologies like LEDs and OLEDs. Their applications are vast and deeply intertwined with societal progress. As a species, we’re often driven by an obsession with growth, for better or worse, and that drive fuels the constant push for the improvement of these materials and their associated technologies.
This is where my work comes into play. I focus on understanding the physical limitations of semiconductors, specifically their behaviour at the atomic or nanoscopic scales. To do this, I use specialized (and expensive) instruments that allow me to explore how electrons behave and move within these materials, and how this, in turn, affects properties like the position, colour, and intensity of light emitted from the semiconductors. My research aims to delve into the intricate workings of semiconductors to unlock further innovations and improvements in their performance, pushing the boundaries of what these materials can achieve.
Simply, I learn how to make ‘better’ devices. But does humanity need ‘better’ devices? That’s a conversation for another day.
What is your favourite part about the work that you do?
The most fascinating aspect of research is its unpredictability. As scientists, we’re skilled at designing and planning experiments, but the conclusions we draw from them can often be surprising. This unpredictability requires a significant amount of flexibility in our thinking. It’s important not to become too attached to specific outcomes but to remain adaptable as the problem evolves.
This, to me, is the essence of the scientific method—being open to where the data leads rather than forcing it to fit preconceived ideas. You might not always answer the big questions you set out to solve, but maintaining an open mind ensures that you don’t overlook even more interesting or unexpected discoveries along the way.
Which are the most prominent challenges you face in your work and how do you address them?
Navigating academia is a challenge in itself, with its own unique ways of working that differ greatly from industry. One of the biggest differences is that, in academia, you are essentially your own project leader. While you have advisors and colleagues to seek guidance from, the majority of the work depends on your own initiative and effort. Another aspect is the unpredictable flow of work throughout the year.
There are times when things slow down—perhaps you’re waiting for samples or instruments to be serviced—but then, suddenly, the workload surges, and you find yourself leaving the lab at 11 p.m. on consecutive days. This freedom and unpredictability require a particular mindset to manage effectively. Although I like to think I have the character to handle this, there are still moments that catch me off guard. It’s a constant learning process, adapting to the fluctuations and balancing the independence academia offers.
What advice can you give to young people looking to follow your path both in terms of academic and career achievements?
The quality of a PhD thesis isn’t determined by how impressive or groundbreaking the research sounds, but by the quality of supervision and support you receive throughout the process. Having the right advisor is crucial. They will guide you through challenges, provide feedback, and help shape your work. So, choose your advisor carefully and wisely, as their mentorship can make all the difference in your academic journey and the outcome of your research.
What is the most important advice you have ever received?
“Don’t overthink it”-The little voice in Kagiso’s head
Careerwise, where do you see Kagiso Loeto in the next 3-5 years?
I’d rather not make bold claims about where I see myself in the future. Wherever I end up, it will be where God intends for me to be. I trust that the path will unfold as it’s meant to.