Dr René Heyn is a Lecturer in the Department of Earth Sciences at Stellenbosch University, where she has been teaching since 2009. Her academic background is in geology, with a PhD focused on the evolution of high-grade metamorphic terrains in the Limpopo Complex of southern Africa. Over time, her work has evolved from fundamental geochronology and petrology toward more applied and industry-relevant research in mineralogy.

She plays a central role in undergraduate education, particularly in large first-year and second-year modules, and currently serves as the Earth Science undergraduate programme coordinator. Her teaching and academic service reflect a strong commitment to student development, curriculum innovation, and the effective coordination of large and diverse cohorts.