UKZN’S oldest Spring Graduation graduate bags a PHD at third try
THE oldest graduate at the University of Kwazulu-natal’s 2022 Spring Graduation said that his age at the completion of his studies was largely a reflection of poor strategy and time management.
Dr Chris Brouckaert, 74, completed a PHD in chemical engineering post-retirement at his third attempt.
Brouckaert began his academic career in 1967, when he registered as an undergraduate alongside the late Professor Chris Buckley, who was his mentor.
Buckley headed UKZN’S world-renowned Pollution Research Group (now the Water, Sanitation, Hygiene
Research and Development Centre) for many years until his untimely death in 2021. He would become Brouckaert’s lifelong colleague and mentor.
After completing his undergraduate degree in 1978, Brouckaert registered for postgraduate studies, but he was unable to complete his studies at the time. He had taken a position as a lecturer in chemical engineering at the then University of Natal.
In 1990, Brouckaert was offered a contract research post at the Pollution Research Group. He worked there for 30 years until his retirement in 2021.
Brouckaert’s dissertation is based on a series of five papers published in
Water SA that set out a framework and methodology for the mathematical modelling of bio-processes that have significant interactions with inorganic aqueous physicochemical processes.
The papers used represent a distillation of modelling experience of the Water Research Group at UCT and the WASH R&D Centre at UKZN, over some 15 years of collaboration.
Commenting on Brouckaert’s bravery and dedication, the academic leader for chemical engineering at UKZN, Professor David Lokhat, said Brouckaert’s PHD was well received by his examiners. He said Brouckaert was instrumental in developing a number of undergraduate courses, lectured within the programme, mentored and guided many postgraduate students on water-related projects.
“One of the examiners commented that he had never before granted a doctorate without recommending any adjustments, a testament to the excellent body of work that Brouckaert had been involved in for a long time at UKZN.
“We can only hope that some of his talent has rubbed off on the next generation. This PHD has been a long time coming for Chris, but I imagine nonetheless most fulfilling for a career dedicated to chemical engineering.”