NAMIBIA
Namibian Maria Nelago Kanyama’s science dream might have been derailed by the loss of life of her mom throughout her remaining highschool examination, however the dedication to not disappoint her legacy helped her to prevail.
She is now harnessing the ability of machine studying and blockchain applied sciences to resolve water challenges in her nation – a area of examine during which her contribution has been seen – and recognised.
Kanyama was just lately named as one of many 30 winners of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Girls in Science Younger Expertise Sub-Saharan Africa Awards.
Kanyama is predicated on the Namibia College of Science and Know-how (NUST), the place she is pursuing a PhD in laptop science with a specialisation in Built-in Water Assets Administration, or IWRM.
Her educational journey additionally started at NUST, the place she earned her first diploma, a bachelor of engineering in electronics and telecommunication. Throughout her undergraduate years, her fascination with water was ignited when she developed a sensible greenhouse irrigation system as a part of her final-year challenge.
Pushed by a need to delve deeper into the realm of water-related applied sciences, Kanyama’s quest for data on this area led her to pursue a masters in electronics and laptop engineering, specialising in water networks, on the College of Namibia.
Dedicated to honing her expertise and data in her residence nation, Namibia, Kanyama’s instructional endeavours have been centred there, fostering a profound connection to her roots.
Regardless of preliminary challenges in securing employment after acquiring her first diploma, her unwavering dedication to her area and her ardour for innovation propelled her to pursue her subsequent aim in greater training, paving the way in which for her to develop into an revolutionary water professional.
She spoke to College World Information about being a scientist and the highway that took her there.
UWN: You stated you might be dedicated to honing your expertise and data in your house nation. Why are you saying residence – talking about Namibia’s universities – is greatest?
MNK: Expressing my dedication to refining my expertise and data inside Namibia stems from a profound perception within the untapped potential of our residence nation’s universities.
Whereas misconceptions prevail in regards to the superiority of training overseas, in growing international locations like Namibia, I’ve witnessed the opposite. Regardless of the prevailing notion, I firmly imagine that a few of the greatest training is discovered proper right here.
Namibia, as a growing nation, has, sadly, seen a development the place aspiring engineers and medical professionals usually choose to hunt training overseas. In distinction, I’ve chosen to pursue and purchase the top of experience in my area proper right here in Namibia.
My journey has been formed by the steering of remarkable professors whom I deeply admire. Range stays a big consideration, and I’ve had the privilege of being educated by our nation’s prime universities, particularly the College of Namibia and the Namibia College of Science and Know-how.
My gratitude extends to those establishments for affording me the chance to develop into a domestically made Namibian digital and laptop engineer. It’s not merely about resisting the attract of overseas training; it’s about acknowledging and embracing the excellence that our personal educational establishments foster.
Selecting to remain and contribute to the development of data inside Namibia is my approach of reinforcing the assumption that, certainly, house is the place the most effective training resides.
UWN: Inform us in regards to the analysis you might be enterprise that has been recognised via the L’Oréal-UNESCO award.
MNK: My mentors and I are working collaboratively with the aim of harnessing the ability of machine studying and blockchain applied sciences.
Our goal is to create a system able to figuring out anomalies equivalent to leakages, meter malfunctions, cases of water theft, and tampering inside water utilities. This initiative is particularly essential, contemplating the projected water stress in Sub-Saharan Africa as a result of results of local weather change.
Our intention is to preserve and safeguard the dear water assets obtainable by implementing a proactive detection and response mannequin. In Namibia, the detection of those anomalies at present depends on human statement.
Nonetheless, recognising the worldwide shift in direction of digitisation, our focus is on growing revolutionary options that leverage disruptive applied sciences.
By integrating machine studying and blockchain, we intention to offer a extra environment friendly, well timed and cost-effective technique of figuring out and promptly addressing these points inside water utilities.
This initiative holds the potential to considerably save each the water utility corporations and clients helpful assets by way of funds and time.
It’s our dedication to utilise these cutting-edge applied sciences, not only for the sake of innovation, but in addition to create real-world impression by making certain the environment friendly administration and conservation of water assets within the face of imminent challenges posed by local weather change.
UWN: What motivated you to remodel your self right into a water professional?
MNK: My upbringing in a village the place we frequently confronted water shortages because of pipe bursts has been a driving drive behind my dedication to impact constructive change.
This private expertise has fuelled my ardour for making a tangible impression. My final aim is to supply options that tackle the important points confronted by communities, notably in making certain entry to dependable water sources.
UWN: In what different methods can water challenges posed by local weather change be tackled?
MNK: Addressing the intricate water challenges caused by local weather change calls for a multifaceted technique that extends past conventional approaches. One pivotal avenue for transformative change lies within the digitisation of the water sector.
On this period of speedy technological development, making certain prepared entry to high-quality information turns into paramount. This information, sourced from various shops, kinds the bedrock for establishing subtle fashions able to predicting and detecting variations in water patterns.
The combination of digitisation into the water sector heralds a brand new period of proactive administration. The facility of digitisation unfolds via real-time monitoring, enabling exact evaluation and swift responses to the dynamic shifts in water ecosystems.
Superior applied sciences, equivalent to sensors and Web of Issues gadgets, play a pivotal function in enhancing information assortment. This not solely facilitates a complete understanding of water methods, but in addition lays the groundwork for knowledgeable decision-making.
Harnessing the capabilities of digitisation empowers stakeholders to implement adaptive methods tailor-made to the evolving challenges posed by climate-induced shifts in water dynamics.
The actual-time insights garnered via digitised methods allow authorities to optimise useful resource allocation, improve water administration practices, and successfully mitigate the far-reaching impacts of local weather change on water assets.
In essence, the fusion of know-how and water administration not solely modernises the sector but in addition equips decision-makers with the instruments wanted to handle climate-induced water challenges comprehensively.
This paradigm shift in direction of digitisation serves as a cornerstone in constructing resilience and sustainability inside water administration practices within the face of an ever-changing local weather panorama.
UWN: You’ve gotten beforehand stated you confronted discrimination as a lady in your profession. Please inform us about it.
MNK: Initially aspiring to develop into a pilot, I discovered my path resulting in electronics engineering, touchdown me a job as an air visitors digital engineer.
This trajectory allowed me to merge my ardour for aviation with Built-in Water Useful resource Administration, creating a novel and fulfilling mix of pursuits.
Nonetheless, the office introduced challenges within the type of gender bias and discrimination. Being a feminine engineer in a male-dominated area, I encountered prejudices that questioned my capabilities and marginalised me, hindering my integration and confidence.
Experiencing a way of exclusion compounded by cases of the ‘queen bee syndrome’, during which assist and inclusion have been missing made the setting much less conducive to progress and success. All through these struggles, sustaining a give attention to my science dream required intentional effort.
Discovering supportive mentors, pals who shared related aspirations and staying true to my goal grew to become essential pillars of assist. I recognised that folks would possibly try to undermine my ambitions, however I refused to let their actions derail my path.
I’ve realized that preserving one’s goals calls for resilience and a continuing reminder of the larger image. Conserving my goal in sight, I strove to beat hurdles, holding onto my aspirations regardless of adversities. It’s important to not let detractors dictate the trajectory of 1’s goals.
UWN: Is there something that almost derailed your science profession, and the way did you deal with it?
MNK: Regardless of dealing with important hurdles in varied aspects of my life, together with private loss and gender bias in my profession, I’ve remained steadfast in pursuing my science dream.
The lack of my mom throughout my remaining highschool exams might have been a significant setback, however her resilience and onerous work instilled in me a drive to succeed. I used to be lucky to safe a spot in college together with a bursary, pushed by my dedication to not disappoint her legacy.
UWN What have to be carried out to convey extra girls into science, know-how, engineering and arithmetic (STEM) fields and root out discrimination towards them on the office and in establishments of upper studying?
MNK: A complete and dynamic strategy is crucial. Central to this endeavour is the elevation of consciousness and the supply of training on various scientific disciplines.
Strategic initiatives, equivalent to hackathons directed at addressing on a regular basis challenges via science, can function instrumental catalysts for change.
Concurrently, actively participating with youthful generations via faculty visits turns into pivotal, providing a first-hand glimpse into the marvels of science and galvanizing a brand new wave of various expertise. Transitioning to the problem of dismantling discrimination, proactive measures should take centre stage.
The implementation of complete range and inclusion programmes is pivotal, fostering a tradition steeped in respect and equality. Common range coaching for each workers and college students turns into a linchpin, selling heightened consciousness and sensitivity.
Establishing clear and unbiased hiring and promotion processes is foundational, making certain that alternatives hinge on benefit somewhat than gender.
Tailor-made mentorship and networking programmes designed to bolster girls in STEM play an important function, breaking down boundaries and fostering inclusivity.
Institutionally, a important analysis and revision of insurance policies are essential to eradicate gender-based biases and set up frameworks that champion equity.
Tackling gender pay gaps emerges as a significant step in making certain equitable compensation for equal work. True transformation requires dedication throughout all ranges, from management to particular person workforce members.
Encouraging open dialogue and addressing considerations promptly contribute considerably to dismantling discrimination and nurturing a supportive, inclusive setting.
UWN: The place do you see your self 5 years from now?
MNK: I challenge myself as an esteemed authority inside the intersection of laptop science and water or wastewater applied sciences. This imaginative and prescient propels me into the realms of innovation and creativity, the place I intention to seamlessly translate cutting-edge analysis into sensible options that immediately tackle tangible, real-life challenges.
The fruition of my present PhD work holds a particular place on this trajectory, as I eagerly anticipate witnessing its transformation into impactful options that bridge the divide between theoretical ideas and sensible purposes.
Past private accomplishments, I’m fuelled by a ardour for mentorship, aspiring to information and encourage the youthful era. I envision sharing my experiences to convey a strong message: that, on this huge world, one can authentically develop into something one wishes.
As I carve out my path in water and wastewater applied sciences inside the realm of laptop science, I intention to not solely contribute considerably to the sector, however, additionally, to impart data and motivation to those that will form the way forward for scientific innovation.
