Empowering the Future: Meet the Master’s students of the SAWiSA DSTI–Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri Fellowship
The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) not only celebrates excellence among distinguished and emerging women scientists — it also paves the way for the next generation of innovators. Meet the brilliant doctoral candidates shaping the future of science in South Africa.
Ms Corine Mouton is currently pursuing an MEng in Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University, with a research focus on thermodynamic modelling and high-pressure phase behaviour for sustainable separation processes. Her current research investigates the 1-nonanol + n-hexadecane + supercritical carbon dioxide system, focusing on the measurement of high-pressure bubble and dew point data, and applying advanced thermodynamic modelling and uncertainty analysis. By exploring the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as an alternative to hazardous organic solvents, her work aims to advance environmentally friendly, energy-efficient separation processes, contributing to the objectives of the DSTI's Decadal Plan through the development of cleaner industrial technologies.
Ms Mouton's academic excellence has been recognised through several accolades. She won the Elton Thyse Prize for best student in extractive metallurgy at Stellenbosch University in 2023 and earned distinctions for both her final-year research and design projects. She has submitted one paper to the peer-reviewed journal Fluid Phase Equilibria, and is submitting a second manuscript by the end of 2025. Her research, conducted in collaboration with Prof. Cara Schwarz, was presented at the European Symposium on Applied Thermodynamics (2024) in Scotland, highlighting the international relevance and scientific rigour of her work.
Ms Mouton's research stands at the intersection of sustainability and innovation, demonstrating how young women in engineering are driving impactful solutions in chemical processing, while contributing to a greener and more efficient industrial future.
