DURBAN North resident Dr Denise Ingrid Adams was the oldest graduate at this year’s UKZN autumn graduation, which kicked off on Monday morning (May 4).

The 76-year-old doctoral graduate worked on her PhD using creative practice-led research exploring the changing condition and ecological importance of the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve.

Dr Adams, who has lived alongside the river for three decades, drew on her experience and developed a close relationship with the mangroves that would eventually shape the direction of her doctoral research.

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“These mangroves are situated close to where I have lived for 36 years,” she said. “Earlier, there was scant pollution and no threat of a housing complex in the floodplain. Today, these have become harsh realities.”

Her research combined environmental observation with artistic experimentation, resulting in a series of three-dimensional cloak forms that translated ecological insight into visual expression. This approach allowed her to uncover perspectives that may not have emerged through conventional academic methods alone.

Adams credits the support of the Humanities College and colleagues at the Centre for Visual Arts (CVA) at UKZN with helping her refine both her research approach and artistic process.

Her work is already contributing to environmental education and awareness. Her research workbooks are currently being used when school groups visit the Durban Botanic Gardens and the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve, while Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has indicated interest in displaying some of her artworks.

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