PODCAST SERIES

IEC: Becoming an Engineer

Welcome to IEC, Becoming an Engineer, where we connect engineering education research with real world practice, academia and industry. Our goal is to create an inclusive space for dialogue, collaboration, knowledge sharing across the engineering education sector in South Africa, positioning our unique challenges and innovations as a key voice in the global engineering education conversation. We explore the challenges and opportunities of engineering education in the global south, while linking our experiences to the broad international landscape.

Whether you’re an academic, industry professional, or a student curious about engineering education and its meaning for your future, this podcast offers meaningful discussions that go beyond research papers to unpack practical strategies for positive change in engineering education spaces.

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Episode 1: The Intersection of Engineering, Society, History and Ethics

Guest Star: Prof. Bruce Kloot
Hosts: Prof. Lelanie Smith, Dr. Reuben Govender

In this episode, we speak with Prof. Bruce Kloot about the complex relationships between engineering, society, history, and ethics. Drawing on his background in engineering, anthropology, and critical sociology, Bruce explores how power, identity, and historical context shape both engineers and the worlds they create. From extended degree programmes to engineers’ roles under apartheid, this conversation reveals why engineering is never purely technical — it is always social, and often deeply political.

Links:

Reconstructing engineering from practice: ⁠https://doi.org/10.1080/19378629.2010.520135⁠
Engineering under oppressive regimes… (C. B. Shaw & B. Kloot): ⁠https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2024.2419399⁠
A critical review of the educational philosophies underpinning Science and Engineering foundation programmes: ⁠https://iecurricula.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kloot-Case-Marshall_2007.pdf⁠
A historical analysis of academic development using the theoretical lens of Pierre Bourdieu: ⁠http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01425692.2013.868785⁠
The Relationship Between Engineers and Society: is it currently fulfilling its potential?: ⁠https://iecurricula.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Aslaksen_2015.pdf⁠

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Episode 2: Exploring the Evolving Landscape of Engineering Education in South Africa

Guest Star: Prof. Karin Wolff
Hosts: Prof. Lelanie Smith, Dr. Reuben Govender

In this episode, Prof. Karin Wolff, a distinguished researcher and educator in the field of engineering education, joins us to discuss the current landscape of engineering education research in South Africa, the intersection of academic and industry expectations, and emerging opportunities for growth in the field.

Links:

Epistemic Plane: ⁠https://youtu.be/igUFNGQIw98
Semantic Wave & Cumulative Learning: ⁠https://youtu.be/EawM2rdr8Gc?si=wxvEKikPgeN3gWxc⁠
Website: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/dr-karin-wolff-portfolio/Research-project-introduction⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-wolff-51869020/⁠

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Episode 3: The Lived Experience of Engineering Students

Guest Star: Prof. Curwyn Mapaling
Hosts: Prof. Lelanie Smith, Dr. Reuben Govender

This episode explores how engineering students navigate the emotional, institutional, and cultural realities of university life. Our guest, Prof. Curwyn Mapaling — a psychologist working in Engineering Education — shares insights from his research into student resilience in South African institutions. Together, we examine how identity, emotion, and institutional culture shape the learning journey, and consider what engineering education might look like if designed with greater care, context, and complexity.

Links: