The Department of Process 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 am a fun-loving person, but I enjoy music more than a lot of things in life. My hobbies reflect that: guitar playing and songwriting.
Kudzai Chiodza
Before living in Stellenbosch, I grew up and went to school in Gaborone, Botswana. Attending an international school exposed me to many people from different places and backgrounds, which I feel has made me very welcoming and friendly.
Darné Nunes
I have a love-hate relationship with coffee. I like to laugh and like to think I have a sharp sense of humour, but my jokes are mostly lame. I also have a lowkey obsession with anything Korean. Shame.
Veronica Lourens
I am an outgoing person always willing to be of help and create a welcoming atmosphere around me. I like to smile and find the bright side to every situation I find myself in. Call me an optimist!
Mensah Brobbey
I have been at the faculty since 2016 now and it has become a special place to me. I hope through my effort and dedication as an engineer I can make 2022 an extra fun year to be a postgraduate. Also, I like woodworking, camping, and most socials interactions in general.
Roelof Maritz
I am from East London, in the Eastern Cape. I enjoy console and tabletop games and a bit of music. I play the guitar, bagpipes and trumpet, although I haven’t actually touched a
trumpet in years…
Izak Schlebusch
I grew up on a dairy farm near George. I completed my BEng in Chemical Engineering at SU. During my final year project, I developed a deep interest in bioprocessing, especially anaerobic digestion. As a hobby, I enjoy playing the clarinet. I see myself as a person with a high standard of work ethics, who values honesty and pays attention to detail.
Judi Kuyler
Meet our Postgraduate Candidates
Research Topic
Using micro-aeration to improve the anaerobic digestion proces
Supervisor(s) / Promotor(s)
Supervisor: Prof Eugene Van Rensburg
Co-Supervisors: Prof Johann Görgens, Prof Sampson Mamphweli
Professional Summary
I am a chemical engineering postgraduate student in the field of bioresource engineering. I completed my Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University in 2021. My final year research project topic was, “Scenario-based techno-economic analysis of carbon emission mitigation approaches for a Western Cape dairy farm”. During my project I developed an interest in bioresource engineering, specifically anaerobic digestion and developing a circular economy in the agricultural industry. In my master’s studies, I am furthering my knowledge of anaerobic digestion by investigating how micro-aeration can be used to improve the process.
I grew up on a dairy farm, played the clarinet in my school band and town’s local orchestra, and I matriculated with 9 subjects (average mark of 93.7%). These experiences and the lessons learnt during my undergraduate studies taught me the core values of being a team player, able to work under pressure, and the importance of being willing to go the extra mile to get the job done with the best results.
My goal after completing my studies is to become part of a team where I can contribute skills of being precise, hands-on, and a creative problem solver.
