Welcome to our new SIGHPC Education Community Spotlight series – a blog series celebrating the passionate individuals involved in our community and highlighting those that are committed to driving HPC education forward. Each edition offers an authentic glimpse into the values, perspectives, and personalities that shape our vibrant community. From unique career paths to heartfelt motivations, we’re shining a light on the people behind the work to foster connection, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
Today, we are introducing Ntsizi Mphenduli – AKA Oscar – let’s get into it!
The Human behind the Science
What inspired you to become involved in computational science education?
My field of study, but most of all, the students in our computer science department.
What’s one small moment in your teaching engagements that has made you smile recently?
When I was describing the concept behind the development of clusters to one of my 2nd year students.
Summarise your teaching or research philosophy in one sentence?
Get your hands dirty, the answer will eventually come.
Which best describes you: Teacher, Educator, Trainer, Mentor, Coach, Facilitator, Guide, or something else?
Coach, I believe in trial and error approach.
More about your work and impact
What is your role and where are you based?
Senior Lab Assistant, University of Fort Hare, South Africa.
What are you currently working on?
Looking at way on how best we can utilize HPC system in traditionally resource constrained environments.
Please share one project, initiative, or milestone that you’ve been involved in that you’d love others to know about?
Teaching local village elders computer skills in Dwesa, under the Siyakhula project, sponsored by Telkom Centre of Excellence.
How do you see your work contributing to the broader scientific computing or educational community?
For now I would say it’s just a minor contribution as I believe there’s still too much work to do, especially in rural areas.
Community and Collaboration
What advice do you have for anyone who is just starting in computational science education?
Patience is key for every student.
Who in the computational science education world inspires you, and why?
I might sound bias here, but definitely Bryan with a “Y”, the way he is so passionate about his role in the HPC Ecosystem is so commendable.
What’s a team-up or community project that really meant something to you?
HPC Ecosystems, I learnt a lot from that community about HPC.
Has there been something you’ve seen others doing in computational science education that has stuck with you?
Yes, one is the integration of real-world scientific problems into teaching and learning activities, such as collaborative team work and mentorship model.
The Lighter Stuff
If you could teleport anywhere in the world for one day, where would you go and whom would you bring with?
Old Trafford, especially in 2009 when Manchester United won UCL. Would take my Liverpool friend just to make fun of him!
Pick a meme or theme song to reflect your teaching style.
Kanye West – Stronger.
Coffee, tea, or cake?
Coffee all the way!
Any final thoughts, words of wisdom, or musings?
Try to find one thing in this life and make sure that you are specializing in it in the end!