Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Programming And Software Applications
Scholarships And Awards
Languages
Websites
References
Timeline
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Thephilus Matsepane

Thephilus Matsepane

Pretoria

Summary

Astrophysics researcher with an M.Sc. in Physics (Distinction) from the University of Pretoria, specializing in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) studies of faint radio emissions. Currently pursuing a PhD focused on the life cycles of active galaxies. Proficient in Python programming, LaTeX, and data analysis, with advanced expertise in astronomical software such as CASA and TOPCAT. Experienced in calibrating astrophysical data, publishing scientific reports, and mentoring students. Recognized for integrity, accountability, and teamwork, with a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative academic environment. Passionate about advancing scientific discovery in radio astronomy through analytical expertise and innovative research. Skilled Assistant Lecturer with comprehensive experience in developing curriculum for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Strong ability to deliver lectures, facilitate group discussions, and mentor students on research projects. Demonstrated success in enhancing student comprehension through innovative teaching methods. Committed to fostering an environment conducive to learning while promoting creativity among students.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Physics Assistant Lecturer (1st Year, Extended Programme, PHY 143)

University of Pretoria
Pretoria
07.2024 - 12.2024
  • Achieved a 70% class pass rate
  • Produced the top-performing student across four classes, with a final grade exceeding 85%

Physics Head Tutor (1st year, PHY 131)

University of Pretoria
Pretoria
02.2024 - 06.2024
  • Mentored and trained a team of 26 tutors, ensuring consistent instructional quality
  • Directly addressed over 20 student complaints monthly from over 1400 students to enhance tutor performance and improve overall satisfaction rates

Physics Laboratory Demonstrator (2nd year, PHY 153)

University of Pretoria
Pretoria
02.2024 - 06.2024
  • Delivered clear and effective presentations on laboratory experiments to over 40 students each week

Independent contractor

ikeja Wireless (Pty) Ltd
Pretoria
06.2023 - 10.2023
  • Completed 8 weeks project in 3 weeks

Physics Tutor (1st year, PHY131)

University of Pretoria
Pretoria
02.2023 - 06.2023
  • Provided academic support to over 50 students by assisting with tutorial questions and clarifying complex concepts

Astrophysics and Computation Tutor/Mentor (1st year to honours level)

University of Cape Town
Cape Town
02.2021 - 11.2021
  • Offered guidance on effective student lifestyle, time management, and study techniques

Astrophysics Tutor (2nd year, AST 2002H)

University of Cape Town
Cape Town
07.2020 - 11.2020
  • Facilitated comprehension of complex concepts and problem-solving techniques to enhance student learning

Tutor

Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA)
Pretoria
02.2024
  • Guided over 40 students through data processing techniques

Education

PhD - Physics

University of Pretoria
Pretoria
02.2025

M.Sc. - Physics

University of Pretoria
Pretoria
03.2024

B.Sc. Hons. - Astrophysics and Space Science

University of Cape Town
Cape Town
12.2020

B.Sc. - Physical Science

University of Limpopo
Polokwane
12.2018

Skills

  • Online teaching
  • In-class lectures
  • Research and analysis
  • Online class discussion
  • Mentoring students
  • Academic advisement
  • Student engagement
  • Visual data representation
  • Analytical thinking
  • SQL databases
  • Problem-solving
  • Data analysis

Programming And Software Applications

Expert in CASA, Proficient in TOPCAT, Intermediate in SAOImageDS9, IRAF, AstroImageJ, CARTA, Advanced expertise in Python, LaTeX/Overleaf, Bash/Cshell, Advanced in RStudio, R, matplotlib, Working knowledge of SQL, Expert in Linux/UNIX, Intermediate knowledge in Windows, Highly skilled in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Proficient in GitHub, Singularity, Slack, Discord, Pumble, First Aid NQF Level 1 certificate, 03/15/27, Code 10 (C1)

Scholarships And Awards

  • National Research Foundation (NRF) PhD funding, 2024-current
  • Merit Certificate for Academic, 2024
  • National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP) postgraduate funding, 2019-2023
  • Mining Qualification Authority (MQA) bursary, 2018
  • Merit Bursary, 2016
  • Top 10 Matric/Grade 12 award, 2016

Languages

English
First Language

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Physics Assistant Lecturer (1st Year, Extended Programme, PHY 143)

University of Pretoria
07.2024 - 12.2024

Physics Head Tutor (1st year, PHY 131)

University of Pretoria
02.2024 - 06.2024

Physics Laboratory Demonstrator (2nd year, PHY 153)

University of Pretoria
02.2024 - 06.2024

Tutor

Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA)
02.2024

Independent contractor

ikeja Wireless (Pty) Ltd
06.2023 - 10.2023

Physics Tutor (1st year, PHY131)

University of Pretoria
02.2023 - 06.2023

Astrophysics and Computation Tutor/Mentor (1st year to honours level)

University of Cape Town
02.2021 - 11.2021

Astrophysics Tutor (2nd year, AST 2002H)

University of Cape Town
07.2020 - 11.2020

PhD - Physics

University of Pretoria

M.Sc. - Physics

University of Pretoria

B.Sc. Hons. - Astrophysics and Space Science

University of Cape Town

B.Sc. - Physical Science

University of Limpopo
Thephilus Matsepane