Two researchers from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have been elected onto the management of the IEEE South Africa section. The IEEE is the global industry standards and professional body for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which includes Communications standards and Information Technology.
Both researchers are from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology within the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at UJ.
Computer Society
Associate Prof Meera Joseph was elected IEEE South Africa Section Computer Society Chapter Chair.
“We plan to promote the IEEE to academia and industry by hosting lectures and ICT (Information and Communications Technology) conferences. Students across the country can benefit from these. The involvement of students in such lectures and conferences can also strengthen professional links – these IEEE platforms disseminate the latest results that benefit all,” says Prof Joseph.
“The use of ICTs can help address SA’s developmental issues. Everyone interested can get actively involved and share their ICT expertise with others in the IEEE South Africa Section Computer Society for the benefit of the country’s developmental goals. The IEEE also fosters technology excellence through educational and professional activities,” she says.
Prof Joseph founded and leads the Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) research group at UJ. She lectures in the Department and supervises 15 postgraduate students. Her research interests include ICT4D, smart grids, cloud computing, computer networks, renewable energy, femtocells, telecommunications and Engineering Education. Her Google Scholar profile is here.
Membership Development
Dr Seyi Olokede, a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the same department, was elected IEEE South Africa Section Membership Development Chair.
In 2016, he was elevated to senior membership category in the IEEE. Dr Olokede is also a senior member of the South Africa Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE). His research focuses on Applied Electromagnetic, Microwave Impedance Tomography, Body Area Networks, and Microelectronics. His ORCID research profile here.
Joining the IEEE as a young engineer can accelerate your career, says Dr Olokede.
“The IEEE keeps you technically current and gives you career resources and recognition. Through it you have access to global professional networking and progressive career development through continuing education. The IEEE has Student Awards, Scholarships and Fellowships. Student members qualify for discounts on IEEE conferences and symposiums as well as personalised web space.”
Both Prof Joseph and Dr Olokede were elected for their IEEE South African section positions for two-year terms starting January 2017 and ending January 2019.
In 2014, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at UJ, Prof Saurabh Sinha, was re-elected for a second term as the Vice-President, Educational Activities, at the IEEE. In 2017, he serves on the Educational Activities Board as Immediate Past Vice President.
The IEEE South Africa section serves students and academics from all the universities, as well as engineers in industry.
