Steenkamp holds a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Johannesburg (then Rand Afrikaans University). Her work focuses on biocatalysis and taking technologies from ideas to piloting. She started her career at the CSIR in 1999 following a transfer from the AECI. She has developed numerous technologies leading to patents, provisional patents, technology demonstrators and technology packages. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed papers and regularly presents at conferences. Steenkamp was named one of the Top 10 biochemistry alumni of the Rand Afrikaans University/University of Johannesburg.