PEOPLE
EXPERT DATABASE
We are establishing a database of South African marine and polar researchers to provide a platform where experts in the various specialisations can be found by, for example, potential collaborators, students looking for supervisors, organisers of speaking events, media reps, etc.
Finding experts in the field of polar and offshore marine research, within South Africa
ATTENTION: Polar & Offshore Marine Researchers
Want to add your details to this page? Simply follow the link below to complete the sign-up form.
SIGN UPAlternatively, contact Rabia Mathakutha for more information.
r.mathakutha@saeon.nrf.ac.za
Prof. Els Vermeulen
Associate Professor and Chief Scientist
With over 20 years of experience in research on whales and dolphins, her main interest and expertise lie in population biology, ecology, and associated conservation management.
Robyn Verrinder
Senior Lecturer
Robyn’s research focuses on developing autonomous, cost-effective observational platforms to study Antarctic sea ice and ocean–atmosphere interactions. By bridging electrical engineering, marine robotics, and climate science, their work enhances understanding of sea ice dynamics and supports improved forecasting and climate modelling. A key objective is to strengthen South Africa’s marine engineering and remote sensing capabilities through innovative technology development, contributing to national strategic goals in polar research, sustainable ocean governance, and environmental monitoring.
Dr Tokoloho Rampai
Senior Lecturer
Dr Tokoloho Rampai's research focus is mainly Materials Engineering, this is applied both in Antarctic sea ice research and advanced ceramic materials development for application in catalytic processes. Under the sea ice research; she focuses on improving the understanding of the dynamics of sea ice growth and how these give rise to the material properties (microstructure and mechanics) of Antarctic Sea ice. This is predominately carried out through artificial sea ice growth experiments in temperature-controlled laboratory conditions and nominally through field testing in the Marginal Ice Zone in the Southern Ocean.
Dr Elizabeth Rudolph
Senior Lecturer
My research interests include cold climate geomorphology, geochronology, and landscape reconstruction. I am currently involved with research on sub-Antarctic Marion Island and Gough Island, reconstructing Southern Hemisphere landscape-climate interactions of the Quaternary. I also dabble in geoheritage and the use of immersive technologies (like virtual reality) in geo-education.