The Faculty of Engineering is proud to introduce new academics who bring fresh expertise, innovative research and a passion for education.
Dr Andrew Swanson – Senior Lecturer, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Swanson earned his electrical engineering degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand and is a professionally registered engineer. With extensive industry experience in railway systems, high-voltage engineering, and power quality compliance, he previously spent over a decade at the University of KwaZulu-Natal leading research and testing in high-voltage engineering. His current focus is on renewable energy integration, grid compliance, and power quality standards.
Dr Caitlin Courtney – Senior Lecturer, Civil Engineering
Courney specialises in wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and sustainable sanitation. She began her career in industry before completing a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Her research focuses on circular economy solutions, including using reverse osmosis to recover water and fertiliser from human urine.
“I am excited to join the SU team and am eager to contribute to research and innovation in wastewater treatment, focusing on resource recovery and sustainable sanitation solutions. I look forward to collaborating on transdisciplinary initiatives to improve water quality and support environmental sustainability.”
Mr Chaz Fenner – Junior Lecturer, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
“My younger self would not believe you if you told him that he would soon be a lecturer at Stellenbosch University. It may not have been soon – 14 years, in fact – but here I am. It brings me great joy to be employed at an institution that has provided me with so many opportunities, and brought my life great delight. I look forward to learning and growing alongside my colleagues, as ‘iron sharpens iron,’ and paying forward all that was given to me during my time as a student.”
Chaz is currently completing his PhD, focusing on the numerical and experimental study of hydrogen-propane combustion in a combustor for micro gas turbines. He contributes to the work of the Voight Chair for Thermofluid Systems Modeling within the Thermofluid Dynamics Division.
Dr Katelyn Johnson – Senior Lecturer, Civil Engineering
Johnson specialises in engineering hydrology and climate change. She completed her PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where her research focused on hydrological responses to climate variability. She also holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, with a focus on coastal water quality. With a passion for education and problem-solving, she is committed to advancing research while shaping the next generation of engineers.
“Engineering is about solving problems, but teaching engineering is about shaping the problem-solvers. I look forward to contributing to research, innovation, and guiding the next generation of engineers at Stellenbosch University.”
Ms Lindi Grobler – Junior Lecturer, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Ms Lindi Grobler is currently a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on the fluid mechanics of pathological heart valves within the Biomedical Engineering Research Group (BERG). She earned her MEng in Mechatronics with a thesis on investigating the use of bioimpedance to identify the epidural space, and a BEng in Mechatronics. Throughout her academic journey, Ms Grobler has demonstrated her passion for education and research.
Her motivation for teaching is driven by impact. She finds inspiration in the quote by Confucius: “Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” Ms Grobler is deeply inspired by her colleagues in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, valuing the great responsibility that teaching carries.
Miss Tessa Hall – Junior Lecturer, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Hall holds both a Master of Engineering and is currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University. Her research focuses on superconductivity, a field that has significant implications for advanced energy and electronic systems. Alongside her research, she is passionate about mentoring students and guiding them towards excellence in engineering.
“I am excited to join the Faculty and look forward to helping my students on their path to becoming accomplished electrical and electronic engineers. In addition, I relish the opportunity to further my research in the field of superconductivity alongside my esteemed colleagues.”
Mr Philip Ligthart – Junior Lecturer, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Ligthart believes in the transformative power of engineering and education, quoting Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: “A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on numerical modeling of the Ilizarov external fixation device.
Mr Sa’eed Fataar – Junior Lecturer, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Fataar is a Junior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and is pursuing his PhD in the development of human-centric work environments in the context of Industry 5.0. He is a member of the MAD Research Group holding both a BEng in Mechatronic Engineering and an MEng in Mechatronic Engineering focusing on the development of a Human Cyber-Physical System for mineworkers in underground mines that aims to improve worker safety.
Fataar is passionate about advancing research and education in the fields of Mechatronic Engineering and human-centred systems. “Engineering is not just about building machines; it’s about designing a future where technology enhances human potential.”
The Faculty of Engineering welcomes its new academics and looks forward to their contributions.
Promotions
We also congratulate the following staff members on their well-earned promotions:
To Lecturer:
– Clint Steed (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering)
To Associate Professor:
– Prof Werner Steyn (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
To Full Professor:
– Prof Arnold Rix (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
– Prof Craig McGregor (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering)
Photo: The photos of the new academics are arranged in the same order as in the article.
