TUT names Dr Erika Jordaan as Head of Biotechnology and Food Technology

TUT’s Faculty of Science has appointed Dr Erika Jordaan as the new Head of the Department (HoD) of Biotechnology and Food Technology.

Dr Erika Jordaan Her appointment marks a significant milestone in a career that has been closely intertwined with the Tshwane University of Technology for more than three decades.

Dr Jordaan’s professional journey began in 1982, during her Work Integrated Learning year at the Research Institute for Animal and Dairy Sciences in Irene, where she worked on fresh and processed meat and meat products. This early exposure to applied research resulted in several publications that continue to be cited today, as well as multiple conference poster presentations, laying a strong foundation for her academic career.

In 1990, she joined the former Technikon Pretoria as a senior technician. A decade later, she was appointed as a lecturer, a role she continues to fulfil with enthusiasm. Reflecting on her 36 years in the Department, Dr Jordaan attributes her long-standing commitment to a genuine love of her work and to the strong sense of community she has found among colleagues who have become lifelong friends.

“I never felt the urge to move on,” she says, noting that her career path evolved naturally through teaching, research and administration, including 11 years of serving as acting Head of Department.

Throughout her career, Dr Jordaan has taught microbiology at multiple levels, contributed to numerous research projects and steadily expanded her academic horizons. She describes herself as a “quite unintentional” lifelong learner, holding qualifications that range from a National Diploma in Microbiology to a Doctor of Technology in Biotechnology. Her academic development is complemented by education-focused training completed in both South Africa and Finland, as well as a Master of Education in Life Sciences Education from the University of Pretoria.

Her professional standing is reflected in her affiliations with recognised bodies including the South African Society for Microbiology (SASM), the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFoST) and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). Over the years, her contributions have been acknowledged through a range of accolades, including Vice-Chancellor’s awards, national and Faculty research awards, as well as Lecturer of the Year recognition for both teaching and research excellence.

Dr Jordaan’s academic interests span general microbiology and biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on education and training. Colleagues and students often describe her as a “human can-opener”, a phrase she uses fondly to capture her ability to connect easily with people and her genuine concern for those around her.

As she steps into the role of HoD, Dr Jordaan brings with her extensive institutional knowledge, a passion for teaching and learning and a people-centred approach that aligns strongly with TUT’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and student success.