Engineering
What do you do?
Melissa Sikosana
Job history 2021–Present Course Facilitator (Part-time) Learn Biomimicry 2021–Present Consulting Director (Part-time) 180 Degrees Consulting (Germany) 2016–Present Researcher and PhD Candidate Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden (Germany) 2014–Present Freelance Innovation Consultant Self-employed
Academic history 2013–2015 MSc in Chemical Engineering, Specialising in Environmental Engineering University of Cape Town 2008–2012 BSc Honours in Chemical Engineering University of Cape Town
2012–Present Director of Climate Change Programmes, African Views 2016–2017 Management Consultant 180 Degrees Consulting (Germany)
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How do we design waste and poverty out, all whilst closing the resource gap? At the same time, what role do (black) women and nanotechnologies play in achieving sustainable development in emerging economies? As an environmental professional, my work centres around these two statements. I would call myself an ExpertGeneralist. Over the past decade, sustainable water management has been the common thread in my seemingly unconventional career journey. I am a researcher and PhD Candidate at the Leibnizinstitute for Functionalised Polymers. My work is centred around translating a bioinspired, biomedical surface engineering technology for use in maintaining household drinking water. Alongside this work, I trained in biomimicry and (human-centred) design thinking as well as circular economics. These are the main services of my portfolio as a part-time innovation consultant and design thinking coach. My recent and most exciting role as a course facilitator for
LearnBiomimicry allows me to combine my passion for problemsolving using nature-based strategies (biomimicry) and teaching. Every day I endeavour to look for solutions in unexpected places to augment the larger agenda of the green economy and improve how societies function.
How have your degrees helped you to get where you are? Chemical engineers are problem solvers and trained systemsthinkers that can work across several disciplines with ease. UCT’s chemical engineering department is among the best in the world. The Environmental and Process Systems [Engineering] team which I was a part of during my Master's degree continue to pioneer the way chemical engineers, designers and scientists can minimise their environmental impact. The supportive staff and strong curriculum gave me the solid quantitative foundations and courage to tackle some of the world’s most wicked problems.
