The Department of Chemical Engineering boasts a thriving postgraduate research environment with approximately 130 registered postgraduate candidates, including researchers from across Africa and the globe. Our department is also proud of an active Postgraduate Student Council (PGSC), which leads and serves the postgraduate cohort with academic and social support, as well as community engagement. Meet them below!
Meet our Postgraduate Student Council
I’m a faculty member since 2016 – self-proclaimed departmental dynamics aficionado. I have the dirtiest labcoat in the department, since I do not see the point in cleaning it. I also frequently match my scrunchies to my outfit, and on a good day, my socks match my scrunchie too.
Veronica Louwrens
As a compassionate individual, I derive pleasure from assisting others. My hobbies include indulging in music and practicing the art of crocheting. I enjoy reading African literature. I also laugh a lot; it makes life easier.
Moleboheng Ntsetselane
I am an introvert by nature who loves social outreach programs. I grew up in a farming community and am therefore an animal lover. I enjoy the winter; I think it makes you appreciate summer the same is applicable in life.
Jade Amos
I like to spend my free time playing first-person shooter games, listening to hip-hop, or watching anime. I may display good comedic skills sometimes and I believe that ‘‘you should always do all that you can do and leave the rest to nature and God (s)’’.
Richard Mampana
Growing up in Khayelitsha has taught me to make the most of what I have. I mean, we would make cars out of bricks, milk cartons, bucket lids and many other things. Even today, I still subscribe to that viewpoint.
Lukhanyo Rode
A passionate, God–fearing , mineral processing junkie with the eagerness to learn and engage with individuals from different backgrounds.
Anthony Tapfuma
Alternative and soul R&B music lover. I play the alto saxophone and enjoy singing too. I have a special talent for falling asleep within a minute and 30 seconds, which is what got me through my engineering studies – quality naps!
Thaakira Jabaar
Family, football, chemical engineering – in that order.
Matthew Noach
Meet our Postgraduate Candidates
Research Topic
Life cycle assessment of different hydrometallurgical flowsheets for the recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries
Supervisor(s) / Promotor(s)
Prof Christie Dorfling and Prof Guven Akdogan
Professional Summary
I am a passionate and innovative chemical engineer with a love of learning and building things. During my school years and undergraduate degree I strived for academic excellence and I am currently applying that same philosophy towards completing my master’s degree. I also have a full year’s working experience at a water treatment company called Proxa, where I did everything from R&D to site work to assisting with consulting work.
My master’s degree focuses on environmental engineering by finding the most environmentally friendly way of recycling lithium-ion batteries. In industry, I wish to continue down a similar path by directing the local market towards green and sustainable engineering. I want to work on the front line by building plants, running experiments and advocating for a better future through the process of diligent study and scientific advancement.
Education Background
High School – Die Hoerskool DF Malan (91,3%)
BEng (Cum Laude) – University of Stellenbosch (80,8%)
Industry Internship 2019 – Proxa
Recipient of Wilhelm Frank Academic bursary for postgraduate study
Golden Key Society Member since 2017
MENSA member (2017-2019)
ISLP delegate at 2019 Engineering and Technology Delegation to New Zealand
