Bernelle Verster

Bernelle Verster is passionate about sanitation and is dedicated to developing sustainable sanitation for everyone. Bernelle studied Biochemistry and Chemistry and obtained her Masters in Functional Genomics. Her PhD focused on wastewater biorefineries, pushing boundaries in developing wastewater treatment solutions feeding into an economically-competitive integrated water and nutrients strategy.

Improving awareness around wastes, water and wastewater is a cause Bernelle has committed to, alongside her role at the Future Water Institute. Here she “plays in the interfaces” and crosses the divide between the public and science, analysing lived experiences to contribute to her research.

Bernelle is involved with many initiatives and passion projects, including Dream Zandvlei; bringing awareness to catchments and environments through adventure and sport. The Water Sensitive Campaign AquaSavvy is another initiative she is active in, through which academic research is interpreted into action at various levels, including catchments and neighbourhoods.