​In celebration of Women's Month, Stellenbosch University is shining a spotlight on the exceptional women of our institution. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of female academics with this series of profiles, we also illuminate the transformative power of mentorship. Through their own experiences with mentors, these distinguished staff have not only excelled in their fields but also embraced the vital role of mentoring, guiding and inspiring younger colleagues and students towards success, fostering a more inclusive and empowered academic community. 

​ It's surprising to learn that Prof Karin-Therese Howell, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics at Stellenbosch University (SU), did not find maths easy or enjoyable as a child.  “Mathematics was not one of my favourite subjects at school and I would never have thought I would become a mathematician." With a view to becoming a programmer – a career she thought would offer the most job security – Howell enrolled at the University of the Free State for a BSc in Computer Science. Mathematics was her second major.

It was there in the lecture halls that the passion of one of her female lecturers ignited Howell's ensuing and enduring love for mathematics. “My first-year lecturer in mathematics was phenomenal. She was enthusiastic about every topic to such an extent that I wanted to understand the material more deeply to share her enthusiasm." After completing a first course in abstract algebra in her third year, she decided to continue with postgraduate studies in pure mathematics.

 Howell had made it her mission to share her enthusiasm for the subject with other students. As a lecturer at SU, she has been awarded 14 Vice-Rector's Awards for Excellence in First-year Teaching between 2010 and 2022. She is also involved in initiatives such as the STEM MentHER programme. Started by Dr Lungile Sithole and Dr Cerene Rathilal at the University of Johannesburg, the programme is offered at SU under the leadership of Dr Ronalda Benjamin, a lecturer in SU's Department of Mathematical Sciences and is supported by the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS). ​

STEM MentHER links Grade 12 female learners with a mentor who regular engages with academics in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “It is a wonderful opportunity for both the mentor and mentee. I have found it very enriching getting to know my mentee and supporting her in realising her dreams." Howell is also involved in the African Women in Mathematics (AWiM) conferences and virtual seminars which aim to showcase and connect women mathematicians from the continent.

 Having herself been inspired by a mentor to pursue mathematics as a research field, Howell says role models are key to inspiring the next generation of mathematicians. Quoting Queen Rania of Jordan who famously said: “Educate a woman and you educate her family. Educate a girl and you change the future", Howell adds that women and young girls need more opportunities to engage and share their mathematical journeys with each other. 

“Initiatives such as the STEM MentHER programme, AWiM activities, job shadowing and school visits all aid in changing the landscape. They send a message about diversity and inclusion. This is key to instilling confidence in aspirant women mathematicians," she says. “In any environment, increasing the number of women adds to the diversity in thinking, so impacting productivity and innovation."

 ​​Photograph: Jeanne Taylor