Philip Ligthart
PhD student
Topic – “Investigating Real-World Loading Effects on Ilizarov Frames using Numerical Simulation”
Education: BEng in Mechanical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2021
MEng (cum laude) in Mechanical Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2023
Notable achievements: 1st place in 2020 data analysis hackathon hosted by Capitec.
Professional experience: Junior lecturer in Finite Element Analysis, Stellenbosch University, 2025
Interests: Latex, Cooking, Rockets, Machine Learning, Wine.
Noko Phukubye
MEng (Research – full time) student
Education: BEng Mechanical Engineering (2023) – Stellenbosch University
Notable achievements: Recieved the 2023 John-Thompson’s award for the best final year project in thermal energy systems.
Previous employment: Completed internships at Battery Power Industries and Alien Fuel Group in 2022 where I undertook several significant projects which provided me with hands-on experience, sharpened my engineering skills, and deepened my passion for complex system design, setting the stage for a promising career in design engineering.
Eugene Sadie
MEng (Research – full time) student
Education: Motorcycle Repair Technician, Imperial Technical Training Academy, 2016
NDip in Mechanical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019
ADip in Mechanical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020
PGDip in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Engineering, Stellenbosch University, 2022
Previous employment: Motorcycle Technician Apprentice, Honda Tygerberg, 2013-2015
Junior Mechanical Design Engineer, Henred Fruehauf, 2019-2021
Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer, 2023
Interests: Armchair aerodynamicist, trail running, spearfishing
Christo (Hendrik Christoffel) Janse van Vuuren
MEng (Research – full time) student
Topic – “Dynamics of a Nutating Mill with Charge-Structure Interaction”
Education: BEng Mechanical Engineering – Stellenbosch University, 2022
(Non-Degree exchange) Autonomous Systems and Management – Stuttgart University, 2021
Previous employment: Student Intern, Rheinmetall-Denel Munition, 2019 & 2020. Activities included literature review, concept development and testing of electrical components in high acceleration environments.
Interests: Aerospace industry, history, language, hiking, reading
Karl Zapke
MEng (Research – full time) student
Topic – “Design and Development of a Drop Foot Orthosis Device“
Education: BEng Mechanical Engineering – Stellenbosch University, 2023
Previous employment: Currently a laboratory Engineer, Stellenbosch University, 2025; Manage laboratory equipment, assist students with testing and aid in the move of equipment during the renovations of the laboratories
Interests: I am interested in pursuing a career in academics, whether lecturing or conducting research.
Email: 23671866@sun.ac.za
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karl-zapke-32a7822a0
Micheal Du Plessis
MEng (Research – full time) student
Topic – “The design and topology optimization of a heliostat backing structure“
Education: BEng Mechanical Engineering – Stellenbosch University, 2023
Notable achievements: Golden key International Honour Society, 2020 – 2023
Interests: I find it important to live a healthy balanced lifestyle. I enjoy good food and weightlifting. When I get the chance to enjoy nature I hike or mountain bike
Thembinkosi Mkhabela
MEng (Research ) student
Topic – “Gait and load analysis in patients fitted with an Ilizarov frame“
Education: B.S. in Human Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Pretoria, 2022
B.S(Hons). in Medical Physiology, Stellenbosch University, 2023
Notable achievements: Fly@UP Assist 1st Year Award – University of Pretoria, 2020
Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) – Stellenbosch University, 2025
Interests: Interested in research, AI, pharmacology and technology. In my free time I play video games, watch/play football and socialize.
Email: ianthembinkosi10@gmail.com
LinkedIn: thembinkosi-mkhabela