Research support and admin staff

Carol Blaauw

Carol Blaauw is the Postgraduate Administrator at CREST. Her responsibilities are related to postgraduate administration for the postgraduate diploma, master’s and PhD programmes. She obtained a BA degree in Development and Environment in 2015 and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in 2016 at Stellenbosch University. In 2017 she completed a BCom Honours in Public and Development Management and a MCom in Public and Development Management in 2022 at Stellenbosch University. Carol enjoys assisting students in navigating the various processes to complete their studies and seeing them graduate at the end of their program is the greatest highlight

Kyle Ford

Kyle Ford is a senior research assistant and data analyst at CREST. He studied at the University of the Western Cape and completed his BA Honours in 2015. Kyle previously worked at the City of Cape Town as a development information analysis intern.

Nigel Jansen

Nigel Jansen is the Administrative Officer. His responsibilities at CREST are related to financial and office administration. In addition, Nigel assists visiting lecturers and fellows with any IT-related requests.

Rolene Langford

Rolene Langford is the events and short course coordinator at CREST. She is responsible for the logistical and financial administration of events and short courses offered by CREST.

Graeme Mehl

Graeme Mehl is a software engineer and database specialist at CREST. He has extensive experience in building and maintaining database driven websites and mobile applications. He is currently managing the SASTI platform as well as some of the large databases hosted by CREST. Graeme holds a Mechanical Engineering degree and is current completing his MPhil in science and technology studies.

Lenny Poole

Lenny Poole is the CREST technical officer and administers the venue bookings of the CREST computer laboratories and lecture rooms. He also provides technical support to the users of these venues. In addition, Lenny administers the physical facilities of CREST.

Herman Redelinghuys

Herman Redelinghuys is the Database Manager at the Center for Research on Evaluation, Science, and Technology (CREST). He is an experienced database developer, software developer and Linux systems administrator. He manages, design, and implement database and user interface solutions within the CREST knowledge management group. He previously worked as an independent engineering consultant on various IT systems management and electronic communication projects. His current research interests include machine learning, metabolomic data analysis and natural language processing projects. He has a keen interest in agriculture and is a founding member of the South African Botanical Products Association. He holds a masters degree in Electrical Engineering.

Marthie van Niekerk

Marthie van Niekerk is the Centre Manager and manages all operational aspects, including financial forecasting and budget oversight, bursary administration, grants management and reporting. As part of the management group she contributes to the strategic oversight and core functions by supporting the Director. Marthie develops and maintains stakeholder engagement with collaborating universities and other relevant stakeholders. She obtained a B.Ed degree in Home Economics from Stellenbosch University in 1994. Marthie completed a MPhil in Science and Technology Studies focusing op predatory open access journals.

Annemarie Visagie

Annemarie Visagie is a Senior Research Assistant and Data Analyst at CREST. She studied at Stellenbosch University and completed her Honours (Psychology) degree in 2000 and Registered with the Health Professions Council as a Psychometrist the following year. She completed the MPhil degree in Science and Technology Studies at Stellenbosch University in 2023. Annemarie started working at CREST in 2003. Her responsibilities at CREST includes assisting on various research projects. She is also responsible for updating and maintaining the SA Doctoral Thesis database – one of the many databases that support the research at CREST.

Kevin Wildschut

Kevin Wildschut is the Project Coordinator of the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) at CREST. The UCDP aims to support the transformation of South African universities.