What do you get when you mix nuclear physics, multi-physics simulations, student leadership, and the perfect pageant wave? You get Precious Thutloa, a brilliant blend of brain and beauty, numbers and nuance. She’s a Junior Nuclear Engineer who spends her days optimising reactor designs and her evenings proving that STEM girls can strut too.
With a BSc in Applied Mathematics and Physics, an Honours in Applied Maths, and a freshly submitted MSc in Nuclear Engineering, Precious isn’t just shaping the future of clean energy. She is showing you don’t have to fit a mould to make an impact. Oh, and did we mention she’s also a former residence block leader and university beauty queen?
Whether she’s crunching simulations or cheering on her fellow students, Precious is living proof that there’s no such thing as a one-dimensional woman. Keep reading to find out how she balances lab coats and leadership and why she wants to be part of the energy revolution.
Lighting the Way with Science and Purpose
Precious Thutloa’s MSc research explores the inner workings of nuclear reactors through the lens of multi-physics simulations. But don’t expect a cold, technical explanation – she makes it relatable. “Imagine a nuclear reactor as a giant kettle that heats up water to make electricity, but instead of using fire, it uses the energy from splitting atoms,” she explains. “My research is like being a detective inside that kettle.” Her work involves connecting complex physics—nuclear reactions, heat transfer, and fluid flow into one integrated model. “It’s like creating a detailed digital twin of the reactor,” she says, “so we can improve it without ever touching the real thing.”
But this path wasn’t without its challenges. At one point, Precious found herself stuck. Her model results didn’t align, and the errors were too large to ignore.
“It honestly shook my confidence. I had to retrace my steps, debug code line by line, and lean on my supervisors. But in that struggle, I learned that you grow the most when things aren’t going smoothly.” Her resilience was shaped by many such moments, but one moment stood out during a regular instance of loadshedding in South Africa. “I was sitting in the dark, frustrated like everyone else… and it hit me. I’m not just affected by this. I’m studying to change this. That moment turned theory into purpose. I knew then I was in the right place.”
Debunking the Nuclear Myths
For Precious, a huge part of her mission is changing how people perceive nuclear energy. “People often think nuclear equals weapons,” she says. “But that’s like saying fire is only dangerous. It can also cook your food. It’s all about how we use it.”
Her dream? To create a network of small modular reactors specifically designed for South African townships. “Too many young people can’t study or dream because of loadshedding. I want to flip that reality, bring power where it's needed most and prove that clean, world-class energy belongs in every community.”
Leading from Every Stage
While her academic and professional achievements are impressive, Precious has also left her mark as a student leader and pageant queen. These are two seemingly different worlds that, for her, complement each other perfectly. “Leadership has always been part of me,” she says. “From being a prefect and RCL president in school, to serving as a residence block leader at NWU, I’ve always gravitated toward roles where I could guide and uplift others.”
Pageantry, on the other hand, unlocked a different kind of power. “It gave me the confidence to own my voice, take up space, and lead with boldness,” she reflects. “Together, these experiences made me a grounded, confident, and people-focused leader.” And yes, there were surprising overlaps between engineering and pageantry. “Time management, public speaking, discipline – they matter in both. In both, you’re representing more than just yourself.”
Building a Full, Fearless University Experience
Precious is passionate about showing students they don’t have to choose between academics and student life. “You can do both, as long as you’re intentional,” she says. “Academics teach you discipline. Student life teaches you how to lead, collaborate, and survive in the real world.” That approach paid off. From winning pageants to submitting her Master’s dissertation, Precious has created a university journey that reflects every side of who she is. Looking back, she’s proudest of her growth, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. “Graduating twice, being on the edge of a PhD – sometimes it feels surreal. But I know how much work and faith it took to get here. God really did a big one for me.”
A Story to Inspire
More than anything, Precious wants her journey to be a beacon for others, especially young girls from places like Soweto. “I want them to know: you don’t have to fit into boxes. You can be a scientist and a queen. You can lead in a lab and on stage. The world will always try to limit you, but don’t you dare limit yourself.” Her story is one of possibility, power, and purpose.
As she continues her journey in the world of nuclear science, she leaves behind a spark of inspiration, reminding us that brilliance isn’t one thing. It’s everything you decide to become.
