Debby’s research interest is primarily in Materials Engineering, with a specific focus on powder metallurgy (PM) and the mechanical behaviour of materials. Her current research projects focus on process modelling for PM manufacturing as well as the development and characterisation of PM materials. She teaches undergraduate classes in Strength of Materials and Materials Science. She is also keenly interested in engineering education and the development of students’ problem-solving skills. She has supervised several postgraduate students, published 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and regularly presents her research at international conferences.

Prior to joining Stellenbosch University, she was the Deputy Manager of Materials Research and Development (2006) at Bleistahl Produktions GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, a PM valve seat insert and valve guide manufacturer. She holds a PhD in Engineering Science from The Pennsylvania State University, USA (2004) and BEng in Mechanical Engineering from Stellenbosch University (1996). She was awarded the Penn State University Alumni Association Dissertation Award in 2003 and received Stellenbosch University’s Rector’s Award in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014. She is a national council member of the South Africa Institution for Mechanical Engineering, and was chair of the Western Cape branch during 2011-2013. She is a founding member of the South African Society for Engineering Education, and is their current president (2017-2019).