Marilize Everts, a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) at the University of Pretoria (UP), was recently honoured at the Women in Science Awards for the second time in three years. This year she was awarded the TATA Africa Scholarship for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology in recognition of her outstanding academic and research performance. She also received this award in 2015.

Everts obtained her BEng degree in Mechanical engineering with distinction in 2012. She was not only the top mechanical engineering student, but also the top student in the School of Engineering.

At the awards ceremony, Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor addressed the attendees, saying: 'The Women in Science Awards is a celebration of the achievements of women in science, and it is a reminder that the full scientific potential of our country will only be realised when all our young women are able to enjoy access to the best facilities and education. The Women in Science Awards show that women and girls can succeed and excel in science and research.'

The theme for this year's Women in Science Awards was 'Women's economic empowerment in the changing world of work', in line with the theme of the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, held earlier this year.

Evert's research at UP focuses on single-phase mixed convection of developing flow in the laminar, transitional, low-Reynolds-number end and turbulent flow regimes. This work is fundamental to addressing the gap between laminar and turbulent flow, as well as to understanding the fundamentals of mixed convection. The research will enable engineers to optimise heat transfer equipment used in the generation of energy, which is a major crisis in South Africa. Evert has submitted five journal articles for publication, presented ten papers at conferences (seven of which were at international conferences) and co-authored a keynote paper with her supervisor, Prof Josua Meyer, the Head of the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at UP.