SAEON uLwazi Node
Data and Information Management
Data and Information Management
SAEON’s IT and Data Management Node (uLwazi) comprises of four areas coordinated by specialist team leaders in IT infrastructure, Data Curation, Systems Development and Data Science.
NODE MANAGER
Leo leads the uLwazi team in managing research data and information for environmental observation and global change-related projects. His interests include spatial data infrastructures, data curation, information management, and IS project management. Leo has contributed to several information systems projects, including the initial implementation of the South African Spatial Data Infrastructure metadata catalogue; the Marine Information Management System, a component of the National Oceans and Coastal Information Management System; and other IS projects and data portals in South Africa.
DATA SCIENCE LEAD
Marc joined SAEON in March 2019. Most of his programming experience is in Java, R, and Fortran, with some experience in other languages as well. His current interests include working with spatial data and time series classification and feature extraction problems. Specifically, he enjoys coding up “user-friendly” applications that afford end-users (scientists, funders, decision-makers) the ability to navigate and explore relationships in the data themselves by designing function rich visualisation interfaces.
infrastructure LEAD
Shaun is currently employed at SAEON as a Systems Engineer. He has around 20 years experience in the IT field and has been fortunate to work in a diversity of IT environments, and has been mentored by some of the most respected individuals in the industry.
Professional organisations: Shaun currently sits on ICT advisory committees for NRF and DEA
Systems development lead
Mark is a System Architect and Python Developer with over 20 years of experience in software engineering. He has worked in a variety of industries from internet hosting and email services to corporate billing and computer-based training. At SAEON, Mark’s work on the Open Data Platform has enabled the publication of marine and terrestrial observational data in South Africa and has facilitated integration with research data platforms worldwide.
In his spare time Mark enjoys hiking on Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak.
Senior Linux SYSTEMS Engineer
Persephone is a Linux Engineer at SAEON.
Curation specialist: biological data
Daniëlle, a data enthusiast with a background in GIS & Remote Sensing, joins SAEON’s curation team as the Curation Specialist for biological data. With six years of experience in biodiversity and conservation, she embraces advancing research through an interdisciplinary approach. Daniëlle is particularly interested in implementing best practices in data standardization for environmental observation. Her interest also lies in curating large datasets, creating data pipelines and data management procedures to produce meaningful outcomes, and improve access to open data for scientific outputs.
GIS ANALYST
Angelique has many years of experience as a GIS professional and is registered as a GISc Technologist (GTg GISc0941) with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC). She has extensive experience in GIS systems, data management, 3rd party interaction to acquire data, edit and maintain datasets, metadata, geo-referencing raster imagery, data analysis, map production for various resources, manage, maintain and monitor spatial and non- spatial databases over time, standards and procedures, customised digital data and mapping for management, research and advise on new spatial technologies.
CURATION SPECIALIST
Lindsay is a curation specialist at SAEON’s uLwazi node, which she joined in 2018 after eight years of working in digital media. She has a strong interest in technology, organisation and the creation of long-term archival solutions, which led her to the field of data curation. She has completed a Masters in Digital Curation at the University of Cape Town and is particularly interested in working towards best practice standards and creating trusted digital repositories.
JUNIOR DATA SCIENTIST
Caroline joined SAEON on 3rd March 2020 as part of the data science team, working as a junior data scientist under the Bioenergy project. What inspires her about being in the data science and GIS analytics field, is the ability to produce data outputs that can be used as evidence based science to encourage the amendment of laws and advice decision makers.
Systems Developer
Dylan has 7 years of experience as a full stack developer across many different languages. He enjoys putting together systems that are useful and code that is well written.
JUNIOR DATA SCIENTIST
In March 2020, Galaletsang re-joined SAEON as a junior data scientist under the data science team at the uLwazi node. She had previously been part of SAEON as a science engagement intern in 2018 based in Kimberley at the Arid Lands node. Her passions lie in environmental sustainability with particular interests in biodiversity conversation and terrestrial ecology. She is a GIS enthusiast and strategic thinker who enjoys solving problems utilising GIS techniques. Her role as a junior data scientist sees her being involved in the creation of visual data products, data analysis and report writing.
COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Lutendo joined SAEON in 2016 as an IT Helpdesk support operator. She has experience in working with computers and resolving support issues that are raised. She is currently working as a Compliance Officer, ensuring that all SAEON staff members comply with the organisation’s IT policies and procedures. She also ensures that all SAEON IT assets and software installed comply with SAEON’s policies and procedures.
DATA CURATOR
Sibulele is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to advancing open-access research. As a Data Curator, she leverages her expertise to ensure the effective management and organization of data. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Digital Curation at the University of Cape Town.
DATA CURATOR
Belinda brings her expertise to support the data management component of SAPRI and SAEON, focusing on establishing and maintaining a robust data infrastructure adhering to the ISO 14721: Open Archival Information System standard. Her passion for scientific research drives her dedication to data curation, analysis, and field research.
Office Administrator
I am Feziwe Mooi, the Administrator for uLwazi Node. I have over 15 years of work experience in various industries, including private sector (FMCG) and public sector (Economic Development). I bring a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and analytical and quantitative skills from my background in manufacturing and sales. I hold qualifications in BA Anthropology, Culture Meeting and Globalization with International Politics. My goal is to create accessible opportunities worldwide for the youth and inspire the next generation to have confidence in their problem-solving abilities.
Helpdesk Administrator
My name is Aphelele Jacob, and I am a Helpdesk Administrator who is passionate about IT. I have five years of experience in IT support providing on-site and remote support. My goal is to become a Cyber Security specialist. Outside work, I enjoy watching sport, movies and playing video games.
