Marisana A. Masha
Doctor of Engineering Candidate
Cape Town, South Africa
I am a chemical engineering researcher focused on hydrogen production, biomass valorization, and thermochemical process optimization using computational modeling and pilot-scale validation.
Research Interests
- Hydrogen Production
- Biofuels
- Computational Modeling and CFD
- Thermochemical Processes
- Energy Systems
Languages
- English: Read, write, speak
- Sepedi: Read, write, native
- Zulu: Read, speak
- Sotho: Read, speak
- Tswana: Read, speak
Education
Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2025 - Present)
Thesis: Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of an Intensified Biomass Pyrolysis Reactor for Hydrogen Production
Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, Stellenbosch University (2021 - 2024)
Thesis: Quality improvement of liquid fuels derived from waste tire pyrolysis
Bachelor of Laws, University of the Witwatersrand (2018 - 2020)
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical), University of the Witwatersrand (2013 - 2016)
Professional Experience
Research Engineer, Stellenbosch University (2024 - Present)
- Provide research and technical support for industry-linked pyrolysis projects using a pilot-scale plant.
- Prepare feedstock and sampling plans using coning and quartering protocols.
- Develop project timelines and manage full pyrolysis plant operations.
- Troubleshoot technical issues, document findings, and submit weekly stakeholder reports.
Technical Skills
- Engineering: ANSYS, Aspen Plus, AutoCAD, Fusion 360
- Programming: Matlab, Python, Ruby, Bash, C, SQL, JavaScript, CSS, HTML
- Analytics and Reporting: Power BI, sample collection, data cleaning and analysis, design of experiments, reporting
- Productivity and Graphics: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, macOS tools, LibreOffice, Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape
Publications
- CFD-Based Design of an Intensified Biomass Pyrolysis Reactor for Hydrogen Production (2026)
- Upgrading of pyrolysis tire-derived oil through fractional condensation and subsequent oxidative desulphurisation (2026)
- Hydrogen Production from Biomass: Thermochemical and Biological Pathways (2025)
- Quality improvement of liquid fuels derived from waste tire pyrolysis (2024)
Conference Contributions
- SANEDI Annual Energy Conference 2026 - Conference Poster
- CPUT Research Festival - Conference Poster
Grants and Scholarships
- NRF Full Scholarship for Masters (2022 and 2023)
- SANEDI Full Scholarship for DEng (2025 - Present)