麻豆传媒

Astrophysics researcher Dr Gourab Giri holds a Master of Science which he obtained from Presidency University in Kolkata in India as well as a doctorate from the Indian Institute of Technology in Indore.
Through his research, he seeks to deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes that shape the universe, from galaxy evolution to cosmic origins. His research focuses on exploring various aspects of galaxy evolution in the cosmos, ranging from the role of supermassive black holes within galaxies to the evolution of galaxies within larger cosmic structures, such as galaxy clusters, where hundreds of galaxies come together. 
Dr Giri’s current research goal is to develop a comprehensive model for extragalactic jet physics. This novel approach has the potential to unify and address multifaceted phenomena within a single framework, paving the way for deeper insights and broader applications in the field.
“I am deeply engaged in leading research on various astrophysical topics,” he says. “Addressing the extensive datasets involved often necessitates the use of modern techniques, such as machine-learning. UP has access to one of South Africa’s premier supercomputing resources, which is essential for conducting high-resolution simulations and complex data analyses that are critical to my research. Additionally, the presence of a well-established radio astronomy group with expertise in observational techniques and the use of cutting-edge telescopes like MeerKAT makes UP an exceptional choice that aligns perfectly with my research objectives.”
For Dr Giri, astrophysics inspires curiosity and critical thinking across generations, encouraging future scientists and innovators to address some of the most pressing global challenges.
“Beyond its intrinsic scientific value, this field drives technological innovation, with advancements in high-performance computing and data analytics finding applications in rocket science, climate modelling and space weather prediction, which help protect vital satellite infrastructure,” he adds.
His research matters, he says, because it satisfies our curiosity about how the universe functions, offering answers to fundamental questions about galaxy evolution.
“This pursuit provides me with immense personal joy, which is essential to my well-being. The techniques and models I develop, such as advancements in big data handling and machine-learning, will not only enhance our understanding of the cosmos but also be transferable to other fields, such as space weather prediction, thus benefitting a broad range of scientific domains.”
His message to undergraduate students is simple: “Stay curious, persevere and be patient; get involved in learning; and remember, hard work never fails.”
When he is not trying to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, Dr Giri enjoys writing sci-fi and adventure stories, and using his writing skills to convey his research to others.
 

Professor Kshitij Thorat is an astronomer and an associate professor at the University of Pretoria (UP). He is a member of UP’s astronomy group within the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. He specialises in doing research with the MeerKAT telescope and using artificial intelligence (AI) in astronomy. He’s part of the team that has solved the mystery of X-shaped radio galaxies with the help of striking images from the MeerKAT telescope and second author of the study whose results will be published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

University of Pretoria (UP) astrophysicist Professor Roger Deane was part of the international group of scientists who have captured the first image of a black hole. His group worked to develop simulations of the complex, Earth-sized telescope used to make this historic discovery. These simulations attempt to mimic and better understand the data coming from the real instrument, which is made up of antennas across the globe.

About four years ago, Prof Deane started working with the team on the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), which captured the image that was globally released today (Please see up.ac.za for the official media release). Prof Deane, who grew up in Welkom in the Free State, developed a passion for astronomy from an early age, when he was dazzled by the excellent view of the Milky Way.”

Faraz Harsini, PhD, is a scientist specializing in biotechnology, molecular biophysics, and protein engineering. As a Senior Scientist at the Good Food Institute (GFI), he analyzes how best to scale the cultivated meat industry and ensure these products can enter and grow in the marketplace as quickly as possible. With a PhD in Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), his research focused on protein structure and function, particularly in muscle repair and muscular dystrophies. Prior to GFI, he worked in biopharma as a Protein Expression and Process Development Scientist, contributing to the discovery of novel therapeutic proteins and leading pilot studies in process development and formulation.
His expertise spans biotechnology, cultivated meat, and technical analysis. Faraz is also certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, reflecting his interest in the intersection of science, health, and nutrition.
 
 

Matt leads operations for the Good Food Institute’s Science and Technology Department, guiding U.S. and global strategies to accelerate alternative protein innovation. With 20 years of experience in research, academic publishing, and science leadership, he specializes in the environmental impacts of the food system, nanotechnology, and water treatment. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s in environmental engineering from Rice University, and a doctorate in environmental engineering from Duke University. Matt is passionate about advancing science to improve the taste, nutrition, and affordability of alternative proteins while building a more sustainable food system.

Zameera Fida is associate professor and chair of endodontics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Shankar Venugopalan is chair and professor of orthodontics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
 

Dr Els Vermeulen has been a researcher at the University of Pretoria (UP) since her postdoctoral appointment in 2015. A Belgian national, she did her undergraduate studies at the University of Antwerp.
In 2017, she took the reins as research manager of the Whale Unit at UP. The unit is part of the University’s renowned Mammal Research Institute (MRI) and is an internationally established whale and dolphin research hub. “Considering the unit’s extensive knowledge base, I feel fortunate to be able to lead its work forward,” Dr Vermeulen says.
The Whale Unit was established in 1985 and has become a globally recognised leader in cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises) sciences. Researchers there investigate the ecology, population dynamics and behaviour of cetaceans from southern African waters into the Southern Ocean, with the principal objective of providing knowledge that will promote their conservation.

, is senior associate dean for artificial intelligence, the founding director of the , professor of internal medicine, pathology and biomedical engineering, and director of the Clinical Image Analysis Lab at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Gurcan is an internationally recognized researcher and educator in the fields of medical image analysis, artificial intelligence and biomedical informatics.
He holds 10 patents for his interventions in medical artificial intelligence, which have led to the establishment of two startup companies.
Gurcan received his BSc and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and electronics engineering from Bilkent University, Turkey, and his MSc. degree in digital systems engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, England.

Areas of expertise:

Global Supply Chain Management
International Logistics
Business-to-Business Marketing

Tokman teaches undergraduate-level marketing and international logistics courses and graduate-level international logistics in JMU’s MBA program.  
Tokman’s research focuses on the intersection between marketing and supply chain management, including exploring how logistics performance of suppliers affects consumers’ brand perceptions at the retail level. His work has been published in internationally esteemed journals such as Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Retailing, Industrial Marketing Management, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Business Logistics, International Journal of Logistics Management and International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management. 
Tokman holds a doctorate in marketing and supply chain management from the University of Alabama, Culverhouse College of Business. He is the Kenneth R. Bartee endowed professor in the marketing department at JMU.  

Professor Samuel Manda is a lecturer at the Department of Statistics

His research interests include: Methods research concentrates on Bayesian modelling, analysis of survival and longitudinal studies, design and analysis of health surveys, spatial modelling, and developing innovative statistical models and analysis for research evidence combination and assembled complex and big datasets on critical African health issues such as women and child health, HIV and NCDs). 

Application research focuses on health, epidemiology, and health systems in the sub-Saharan Africa. Designing of clinical trials and impact evaluation of programs and interventions. He is currently working on small area estimation methods, causal inference of health outcomes and coverage; and COVID-19 burden estimation, modelling, and prediction in sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Adriaan Kitshoff joined the Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies in February 2020 after spending some time in specialist private practice. Dr. Kitshoff attained his European board certification in small animal surgery in 2016 and is currently working as a specialist surgeon in the Section of Small Animal Surgery at Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital. Dr. Kitshoff’s primary duties are clinical case management and practical training of final year veterinary student and surgical residents. Dr. Kitshoff has 29 publications in peer reviewed journals.

Dr. Adriaan Kitshoff joined the Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies in February 2020 after spending some time in specialist private practice. Dr. Kitshoff attained his European board certification in small animal surgery in 2016 and is currently working as a specialist surgeon in the Section of Small Animal Surgery at Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital. Dr. Kitshoff’s primary duties are clinical case management and practical training of final year veterinary student and surgical residents. Dr. Kitshoff has 29 publications in peer reviewed journals.

Abby Sewell is the Corporate Engagement Manager at the Good Food Institute, where she supports food manufacturers and upstream companies in accelerating their shift toward alternative proteins. With a background in data-driven marketing for leading food, beverage, and CPG brands, she brings deep expertise in consumer insights, brand strategy, and strategic partnerships to help companies navigate the evolving food landscape. Abby holds a BS in Integrated Marketing Communications from Ithaca College and specialized training in Food Sustainability from NYU, equipping her with both the strategic and scientific insights to drive impact. Passionate about the intersection of food, health, and sustainability, Abby works to translate complex industry trends into actionable strategies that support a more sustainable, secure food system.
 

Tharina Guse is a Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology at the University of Pretoria.
She is one of the lead researchers of the , which is an annual survey covering 13 countries that measures people’s hopes and expectations for the coming year, but also how much their hopes were fulfilled in the prior year. Interestingly, African countries have high levels of hope, which seems to stem from a trust in resources in the community and the people around us as well as faith-based trust.
Her research interests include psychological well-being, psychological strengths (particularly hope and gratitude), positive psychology interventions and the application of hypnosis for mental health promotion. She has published and presented several papers and workshops on implementing hypnosis as positive psychological intervention.