Michelle van Wyk

Michelle van Wyk is a lecturer in Design and Theory of Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Her research focuses on sustainable materials and methods for jewellery manufacture, with a specific emphasis on integrating indigenous knowledge systems into modern design practices. She has participated in both local (NRF) and international (EU Horizon 2020) research projects, and was a recipient of an Erasmus+ Staff Exchange grant to Aalto University in Finland.

Her academic work includes a MTech in Design from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where she explored sustainable approaches to jewellery design. She is currently a prospective PhD candidate, building on her research into Namibian Makalani nut carving communities and their relationship with commercialization.

Van Wyk's 2017 publication in The Conversation highlights her collaborative project with Namibian crafters, examining tensions between preserving indigenous knowledge and pursuing commercial opportunities. This work aligns with broader themes of cultural sustainability and ethical design practices.

Her professional experience includes co-creation initiatives that blend academic and traditional craftsmanship, always prioritizing equitable partnerships and social acceptance. She works closely with Thomas Thurner, Research Chair for Innovation in Society at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, on these interdisciplinary projects.