Maria Da Silva

Qualified Chemical Engineer, currently completely a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with emphasis in bio-reactors and sustainability. Keen interest in entering industry in 2023. My strengths are planning, time-management, problem-solving, systems-thinking and organising. Enthusiastic to add value and gain insights to ensure optimisation and sustainability in the chemical industry.

Practical Training Intern 2018-12 - 2019-01

Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA), Pelindaba 

Six weeks practical training at the plasma gasification department, where I conducted literature research, designed a heat exchanger for the process and deconstruction and constructed the plasma gasifier for experimental optimisation.

Practical Training Intern 2019-12 - 2020-01

Process Plant Technology, Johannesburg 

Six weeks practical training internship during the commission of an ammonium-nitrate evaporation plant at SASOL, where I was exposed to different commissioning challenges that a chemical plant experiences at start-up and troubleshooting. Under supervision I was given the opportunity to design the process and compare it to the final design as a learning experience.

Teaching Assistant 2021-02 - 2022-11

Univeristy of Pretoria, Pretoria 

Mentoring final year Chemical Engineer students in their final year experimental project. Tutoring bio-reaction engineering inclusive of following the set-curriculum, assisting students with queries and marking test papers and assignments. I set-up laboratory equipment for various practicals and supervised the students. Various departmental administrative tasks such as ensuring compliance with various safety regulations and verification of final marks awarded.

Master's of Engineering (Chemical): Chemical Engineering 2022

University of Pretoria - Pretoria, South Africa 

Bachelors of Engineering Honours (Chemical): Chemical Engineering 2021

University of Pretoria - Pretoria, South Africa 

With distinction.

Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical): Chemical Engineering 2020

University of Pretoria - Pretoria, South Africa 

National Senior Certificate IEB 2015

St. Mary's DSG - Pretoria, South Africa 

Average of 80 %, obtaining 5 distinctions.