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WITs Team

The University of the Witwatersrand (WITs) and five of their innovative engineering students are taking part in this challenge under the lead of Professor David Rubin and Doctor Neil Stacey. One of these students are completing their Masters of Science in Engineering, whilst the rest of the students are studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.

Doctor Neil Stacey

WITs Co-University Lead

Bio:
Neil Stacey received his PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016, and has since been putting it to use it to grudgingly prevent our extinction. In 2018 he was named as one of the Mail and Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in recognition for his work on renewable energy and water-efficient agricultural technologies. He is currently a lecturer in the School of Chemical Engineering at Wits University.

Professor David Rubin

WITs Co-University Lead

Lan Xu

Loadshedding-proof home insulin storage units

Degree: MSc student
Bio:
Recently, I graduated from the University of Witwatersrand and was awarded the J. Arthur Reavell Medal and Prize for Chemical Engineering for being the top graduand. Currently, I am an MSc student in the same field of study.

Izak Johannes Minnie

Preliminary investigation of ECMO with high pressure super-saturated oxygen solutions

Degree: BSc Honours Chemistry, BSc Engineering (Chemical)

Bio:
I am currently completing my Chemical Engineering bachelors, previous studies include BSc and BSc Honours in chemistry, both completed with distinction. My research projects have included organic synthesis of UV absorbent xanthones from cashew nut shell liquid, photocatalytic degradation of paracetamol and most recently transport properties of hollow fiber membrane dialyzers for emergency respiratory support.

Stewart Michael Gibson

Preliminary investigation of ECMO with high pressure super-saturated oxygen solutions

Degree: BSc ChemEng and BSc Chemistry

Bio:
A honours student in chemical engineering with a BSc in chemistry. Looking to move into the medical devices and pharmaceutical industry.

Doron Nathan Joffe

Kidney dialysis cartridges repurposed for extracorporeal blood oxygenation

Degree: Hons Chemical engineering

Bio: I am an honours student in chemical engineering.

Alexander Leonardo Francis

Kidney dialysis cartridges repurposed for extracorporeal blood oxygenation

Degree: BSc Eng (chemical)

Bio:
I am completing my BSc in chemical engineering in December 2021 at Wits. I was on the Dean's list during my 1st year of studies at Wits.