Marijke Fagan-Endres

I hold an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering (BSc, first class honours) from the University of Cape Town and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University.

My research interest in bioprocess engineering was first initiated during my time as a CeBER Research Assistant when I investigated algal carbon uptake mechanisms. My PhD and subsequent work has focussed on biohydrometallurgical processes, including heap bioleaching and bioflotation, and the development of novel methods for their study, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray μCT and isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC). My current research portfolio has also grown to include production and formulation of probiotics, and production and recovery of microbially produced pigments, such as c-Phycocyanin from Spirulina.

Highlights of my career include receiving the WiEBE 2014 Most Promising Young Woman: Research award, being invited to present my research at the UK Houses of Parliament as part of SET for Britain, receiving the Best Poster Prize at the MRPM10 international conference, and my Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Studentship.

In my position as senior lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering I am involved in the teaching of the undergraduate curriculum at UCT. I lecture in the 3rd year of the chemical engineering degree programme, specialising in Reactor Systems. I have also lectured in the 1st year, have supervised the final year design project (CHE4036Z) and supervise 4th year research projects.

Qualifications:

• BSc Eng (Chemical Engineering), University of Cape Town (2002)
• PhD (Chemical Engineering), University of Cambridge (2014)

Research Interests:

• Biominerals
• Bioproducts
• Heap leaching
• Bioflotation
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• X-ray microCT
• Isothermal microcalorimetry
• Probiotics
• Phycocyanin