Student Engagement

Known for her approachable and enthusiastic teaching style, Prof. van der Westhuizen actively engages students inside and outside the classroom. She often involves her classes in community projects (see Academic Citizenship below) to apply classroom theory to real-world challenges. 

Her commitment to student development was recognized when she won an Innovative Youth Incubator Award for “Excellence in reaching out to the community” in 2018– a testament to how her teaching intertwines with practical impact. She also volunteers as a mentor in university-wide mentorship programmes, guiding other staff on integrating community engagement into teaching.