Lesego Mvembeli
Cape Town
Summary
Innovative physicist with background in both theoretical and experimental physics. Specializes in nuclear science and currently reactor fuel engineering, bringing strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities to complex challenges.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate in Training (Physicist)
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station
Cape Town
03.2024 - Current
- Cycle-specific calculations: Before each cycle to determine fuel economy and critical safety parameters of each cycle, keeping in mind the station's long-term production plan, and keeping the plant safe.
- Core follow reports: A report that includes information about the primary coolant of the reactor; they also verify that the overall core burn-up is where it should be according to initial cycle calculations.
- Load swing calculations for low power operations: Load swing calculations are used to manage and predict the reactor's response to changes in power changes. These calculations are crucial for ensuring the reactor operates safely and efficiently during these changes.
- Flux map acquisition and flux map analysis: Flux maps give us information about neutron tilt in the reactor; this information is important because neutron tilt influences fuel efficiency and burn-up of fuel assemblies.
- Nuclear core design training on specialized software: Training on how to design a core that produces energy for longer full-power days, safe for the reactor vessel, and within the specified safety limits.
Intern
International Atomic Energy Agency
Cape Town
06.2022 - 05.2023
- Data Management: I maintained databases for Coordinated Research Projects (CRP), and facilitated communication between researchers and IAEA project officers. I generated reports for these meetings to keep track of how the projects are going and record any requests for support, so that the IAEA project officers can support as required.
- Data Analysis: I prepared graphs, determined trends and elaboration of reports to be presented back to the researchers during CRP meetings. I reported on key performance indicators for research projects to be presented to IAEA project officers, to keep track of the progress of the projects.
- Reviewing Technical Documents: When the research projects are completed, the IAEA publishes the results under the organization’s library. Which gave me the opportunity to draft and review scientific publications and technical documents.
- Training Materials: I supported in preparing training, outreach materials, and campaigns. The IAEA developed a website for online short courses to help member states learn certain subjects that may otherwise not be available in their respective countries, or to increase their knowledge of certain subjects. I had the honor to collaborate with experts to compile study and training materials.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Radiation Science
North-West University
Mahikeng, South Africa05-2023
Bachelor of Science Honours - Applied Radiation Science
North-West University
Mahikeng, South Africa04-2020
Bachelor of Science - Environmental And Biological Sciences
North-West University
Mahikeng, South Africa04-2019
Skills
- Nuclear physics
- Nuclear chemistry
- Nuclear waste management
- Knowledge of computer codes
- Scientific research and reporting
Accomplishments
- I was one of the first hundred students chosen around the world for the launch of Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship Programme in 2021.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Graduate in Training (Physicist)
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station
03.2024 - Current
Intern
International Atomic Energy Agency
06.2022 - 05.2023
Master of Science - Applied Radiation Science
North-West University
Bachelor of Science Honours - Applied Radiation Science
North-West University
Bachelor of Science - Environmental And Biological Sciences
North-West University
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