University of Cape Town

Professor Barashenkov received his MSc from the Moscow State University and a PhD in mathematical and theoretical physics from the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna. His research interests include nonlinear dynamics and theory of nonlinear waves, in particular solitary waves, localised patterns and vortices. Barashenkov's early research projects focussed on the so-called dark solitons.

Maboletso Letsoalo is currently a master’s student in computational health informatics, with an academic foundation in human physiology, genetics, psychology (BSc, University of Pretoria) and bioinformatics (BMedSc Hons, University of Cape Town). Her primary research interest lies in multi-omics research, a rapidly evolving approach that leverages diverse biological data types to drive novel discoveries, enhance diagnostic precision, and address urgent clinical needs.

Takalani Makhwathana is a fourth-year MBChB student at the University of Cape Town, with a strong academic interest in public health, preventative medicine, and rural healthcare. Driven by a commitment to health equity, Takalani’s long-term goal is to contribute to public health research that addresses the root causes of illness and helps shift the healthcare system’s focus from curative to preventative care, particularly within underserved communities.