OUR PEOPLE
DR PATSY SCHERMAN
Dr Patsy Scherman of Scherman Environmental cc., based in Makhanda (previously Grahamstown), South Africa, holds a PhD in Biotechnology from Rhodes University, with her primary experience being in the field of water resource management and environmental water quality. She has approximately 26 years’ experience working in various aspects of environmental management and monitoring, and in aquatic ecosystems – particularly in the development (river water quality) and implementation of Resource Directed Methods in Reserve / Ecological Water Requirements (EWR), Classification and Resource Quality Objective studies. She has conducted numerous aquatic specialist studies for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and managed and participated in water studies associated with a number of heavy mineral mining EIAs, including running integrated monitoring programmes. Other river and water specialist studies and Water Use License Applications have been conducted for numerous solar and wind power projects and other developments. Patsy has also trained extensively within her field of expertise, e.g. postgraduate students, government employees, specialist courses, and in-house training for various water resource management institutions. Dr Scherman has worked in South Africa, Mozambique, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia and Madagascar.
JACQUI SAUER
Jacqui Sauer has extensive project management, contracts management and financial management experience. Over the past few years she has also returned to university to complete her training in Psychology, English and Classics.
She currently serves as the Financial Manager for Scherman Environmental, and plays a significant role in running large projects.
NICK HUCHZERMEYER
Mr Nick Huchzermeyer holds a Master of Science Degree in Geography with a focus on fluvial geomorphology, a BSc Honours in Geography and a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) in Geography & Geology. Mr Huchzermeyer has been gaining experience in integrated catchment systems and is an avid outdoorsman with project management skills, experience in field-based biophysical research and a comprehensive knowledge of Geographical Information Systems and their use as a tool in catchment management. Mr Huchzermeyer has gained this experience through his postgraduate studies as well as work experience as part of the Tsitsa Project’s Sediment & Restoration Team and other independent consulting work.
Besides his broad ecological and specific sedimentation expertise, Nick’s primary contribution as a Scherman Environmental Associate is as part of the Wetland Delineation and Assessment team.
PIPPA SCHLEGEL
Currently Pippa is enrolled in a PhD in the Geography Department at Rhodes University with a focus on wetland processes and restoration. She is a compassionate, dedicated and hardworking naturalist. Her passions lie in the natural world and creating real-life solutions to how humans and the natural systems can live and act harmoniously. Pippa is interested in learning and experiencing new things. In her downtime you can find her exploring nature, travelling, hiking, camping and mountain cycling.
Pippa’s primary contribution as a Scherman Environmental Associate is as part of the Wetland Delineation and Assessment team.
SANDY VAN DER WAAL
Sandy van der Waal, MSc
Project Manager
GIS Specialist
Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (Number 2019/239)
Registered Environmental Scientist (Pr. Sci. Nat. 400444/13)
Sandy has gained over 15 years of experience working as a field researcher, scientist and environmental consultant. After completing her BSc degree in Ecology & Zoology (UCT), she graduated from Rhodes University with her BSc Honours and MSc in Environmental Science. Sandy has experience in ecological specialist studies, environmental impact assessments, wetland assessments and Geographic Information Systems.
Projects have included management of GIS projects (national topographic data updates), Applications for Environmental Authorisation (Environmental Impact Assessments), Environmental Management Plans, NEMA Section 24 G applications and Water Use Licence Applications.
Sandy has been involved in training throughout her career and has enjoyed teaching high school groups, lecturing Geography and Environmental Science at University level as well as corporate research and task teams.