In the heart of the School of Chemical and Mineral Engineering at North-West University (NWU), a powerful story of perseverance, passion, and purpose is unfolding. Ms Felicity Nthatisi, a lecturer and PhD candidate, is not only shaping the future of clean energy solutions but also redefining what it means to rise beyond circumstance and lead through impact. 

Born and raised in the rural villages of Limpopo, Ms Nthatisi's academic journey began far from the laboratories and lecture halls she now calls home. Growing up in a community where education was regarded as the key to breaking generational cycles of poverty, she found early inspiration in the unwavering dedication of her mother, a Grade 1 teacher who balanced motherhood, full-time work, and her own postgraduate studies. 

“My mom instilled in me a love for learning,” Felicity reflects. “She showed me that education isn’t just about getting a qualification but also it’s about transforming lives.” 

This foundational belief set her on a path of academic excellence, eventually leading her to North-West University, where she has earned all her degrees. Today, she is not only a proud NWU alumna but a driving force within the very institution that helped shape her. 

Lighting the Way with Cleaner Energy 

At the core of Ms Nthatisi’s PhD research is a pressing issue facing many South African households: access to efficient, clean energy. Her work focuses on developing cleaner combustion technologies by improving cookstove design by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). By analysing how solid fuels burn in controlled environments, her research aims to reduce harmful emissions, increase energy efficiency, and ultimately contribute to healthier, more sustainable living conditions. 

“South Africa’s energy crisis makes it essential to explore alternative solid fuels and efficient combustion strategies,” she explains. “With CFD modelling, we can simulate and enhance stove performance without relying solely on expensive physical prototypes.” 

Her research speaks directly to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), and Climate Action (SDG 13). By bridging engineering innovation with societal needs, Ms Nthatisi is proving that technical research can and should serve humanity. 

Challenges and Triumphs on the Road to a PhD 

Pursuing a PhD is no small feat, and Ms Nthatisi is open about the complexities of navigating the academic terrain. Among the toughest challenges has been mastering the CFD modelling of combustion—a highly technical and layered process. 

“It was overwhelming at first,” she admits. “So I approached it step by step, refining the heat transfer model, treating fuel as a porous medium, and using experimental data to validate the simulations.” 

Her methodical perseverance is matched by the robust support system at NWU, which includes access to advanced research facilities and a culture of academic mentorship. 

Supported by a Strong NWU Foundation 

North-West University has played a pivotal role in Ms Nthatisi’s academic journey. From state-of-the-art laboratories to high-performance computing resources, the university has created an environment where researchers can thrive. 

But for Ms Nthatisi, the most transformative support has come from people: “The mentorship and supervision I’ve received at NWU have made all the difference,” she says. “My supervisors guided me not only technically but also emotionally; they helped me stay focused when things got tough.” 

She also highlights the spirit of collaboration at NWU, where students and researchers are encouraged to work across disciplines and share insights. “It’s more than just resources; it’s a community that supports you, challenges you, and pushes you to grow.” 

Balancing Academia and Home Life 

While her days are filled with lectures, research, and academic commitments, Ms Nthatisi is also a devoted wife and mother. Her secret to balancing it all? Structure and intentional boundaries. 

“I plan my teaching in advance so I can dedicate focused time to research. And when I’m home, I make it a priority to be present with my family. That’s sacred time.” 

This balance, she believes, is essential, not just for wellbeing, but for sustained productivity and passion in her work. 

Leadership, Challenges, and the Future of Chemical Engineering 

As an emerging leader in her field, Ms Nthatisi believes postgraduate studies are becoming increasingly important for engineers who aspire to shape industry and society. 

“In today’s complex world, having a postgraduate qualification gives you a deeper, more specialised understanding of engineering challenges,” she notes. “It prepares you to think strategically, innovate meaningfully, and lead teams across multidisciplinary projects.” 

She explains that while hands-on experience remains vital, advanced degrees equip engineers with the analytical tools and theoretical knowledge required to tackle global challenges, especially in areas such as clean energy, digitalisation, and sustainability. 

Among the biggest challenges facing the chemical engineering field today, Ms Nthatisi highlights four: 

1. Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Engineers are under pressure to design cleaner, more sustainable processes that minimise emissions and reduce environmental harm without sacrificing economic viability. 

2. Energy Transition: As the world moves away from fossil fuels, engineers must help lead the shift to renewable and alternative energy sources, designing systems that are both efficient and accessible. 

3. Digitalisation and Automation: The rise of big data, artificial intelligence, and automation in process design requires engineers to adapt and upskill continually. 

4. Global Collaboration: Working across borders with diverse teams means navigating different regulations, cultures, and communication styles requiring strong soft skills alongside technical expertise. 

“Though daunting, these challenges are also opportunities,” she says. “They push us to innovate responsibly and create real impact.” 

Looking Ahead 

As she continues her PhD journey, Ms Nthatisi’s vision is clear: to contribute meaningful innovations to the chemical engineering field, while building bridges between academia, industry, and society. Her work in clean energy is not just a research project, it’s a personal mission grounded in empathy, driven by science, and aimed at real-world impact. 

In Ms Felicity Nthatisi, we see more than an academic; we see a role model, a changemaker, and a woman building a legacy that will empower others to follow.