Qualifications
1999 – A+ Computer Support Professional
2001 – Baccalaureus Commercii (Information Technology)
2002 – Bachelor of Commerce Honours - Computer Science and Informatics - cum laude
2006 – Master of Commerce (M.Com IT) - Computer Science and Informatics
2006 – Teaching and Facilitation in Higher/Further Education
2006 – Assessment of Learning in Higher/Further Education
2009 – Security+ Certified Professional
2019 – Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Computer Science and Informatics
2021 – Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) Online Training Course for Supervisors of Doctoral Candidates at African Universities - cum laude.

Professional Training & Courses Attended
2000 – Presenting and leading of tour groups at observatories
2003 – Outcome based training
2005 – First Aid level 1 and level 2
2010 – M&D Academic Writing
2012 – Writing the Literature Review
2019 – First Aid level 1
2020 – The Complete Cyber Security Course: Hackers Exposed!
2020 – UFS CTL Webinar Training Session: #UFS TeachOn
2020 – UFS CTL Webinar Training Session: Formative Assessment in a Low-tech Online Distance Environment
2020 – UFS CTL Webinar Training Session: Summative Assessment in a Low-tech Online Distance Environment
2020 – Postgraduate School Webinar Training Session: Thesis Examination Workshop
2020 – AccessData Webinar: The Dark Net: Anonymity, Infrastructure, and the Future 
2021 – Springer Nature Webinar: Publishing Academic Books with Springer Nature
2021 – CompTIA Security+ Exam SYO-601 Train the Trainer Webinar Sessions 1-10 (20+ hours)
2021 – CompTIA Server+ Exam SKO-005 Train the Trainer Webinar Sessions 1-8 (16+ hours)
2021 – CompTIA Cloud+ Exam CVO-003 Train the Trainer Webinar Sessions 1-10 (20+ hours)
2021 – CompTIA Network+ Exam N10-008 Train the Trainer Webinar Sessions 1-10 (20+ hours)
2021 – CompTIA CASP+ Exam CAS-004 Train the Trainer Webinar Sessions 1-12 (24+ hours)
2022 – UFS CTL Webinar Training Session: Student Engagement in a Blended Learning Approach (2+ hours)
2022 – CompTIA PenTest+ Exam PT0-002 Train the Trainer Webinar Sessions 1-12 (24+ hours)
2022 – CompTIA Data+ Exam DA0-001 Train the Trainer Webinar Sessions 1-6 (12+ hours)
2022 – UFS CTL Two Day Workshop: Teaching Portfolio Workshop (16+ hours)
2023 – UFS Centre for Graduate Support - Research Supervision (6+ hours)
2023 – UFS CTL: Blackboard Retention Centre (1 hour)
2023 – UFS Postgraduate School: Supervising a qualitative research project (2 hours)
2023 – UFS CTL: Assessment innovation in an AI world - A UFS perspective (2 hours)
2023 – CIN Instructor Toolbox Series - Virtual Teaching 2.0 (2 hours)
2023 – Wiley: How to Publish Open Access - Author Workflows and tips for Authors in South Africa - SANLiC (1 hour)
2023 – College of Law and Management Studies, Research Office at UKZN: What will the AI-Chatbot do for us? Making Sense of this Technology (40 minutes)
2023 – UFS: ChatGPT in higher education (1 hour)
2023 – TUT: BRICS Thematic Group Meeting - ITG: Computer Science and Information Security (5+ hours)
2024 – CIN Instructor Toolbox Series - Practical AI for Instructors (1:30+ hours)
2024 – Arctic Wolf: State of CyberSecurity (1 hour)
2024 – UFS Post-graduate School: The Write Space: Enhancing writing consultation skills: Navigating roles and providing effective feedback.
2024 – CompTIA Security+ Exam SYO-701 Train the Trainer Webinar Sessions 1-11 (22+ hours) 
2025 – MMY Solutions: Turnitin (3 hours)

Career
2002 – 2005: Junior Lecturer in Computer Science at the Technikon Free State
2002 – on going: Software, Web and Database development
2005 – 2006: Lecturer in Computer Science at the Central University of Technology, Free State
2007 – 2022: Lecturer at the University of the Free State
2023 – 2024: Senior Lecturer at the University of the Free State
2025 – current: UFS Research Fellow
2025 – current: Senior Lecturer Akademia

Research Gate – https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wynand-Nel?ev=hdr_xprf
ORCID – https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5579-6411
Google Scholar – https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=TnVucfYAAAAJ

PEER-REVIEWED BOOK CHAPTERS
Fouché, R.C., Nel, W. (2024). Closing the Gap: Leveraging Recorded Video Lessons for Digital Inclusion in Rural South Africa. In: Hinkelmann, K., Smuts, H. (eds) Society 5.0. Society 5.0 2024. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 2173. Springer, Cham, pp. 111-122. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-71412-2_9. (Q4, H-Index: 69)

Bezuidenhout, R., Nel, W., Maritz, J. (2022). Transient Random Number Seeds in Permissionless Blockchain Systems. In: Drechsler, A., Gerber, A., Hevner, A. (eds) The Transdisciplinary Reach of Design Science Research. DESRIST 2022. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 13229. Springer, Cham, pp. 85-96. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-06516-3_7.

Nel, W., De Wet L., Schall R. (2022) The Value of Brain-Computer Interface Measurements When Using Ambiguous Search Queries. In: Arai K. (eds) Advances in Information and Communication. FICC 2022. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 438. Springer, Cham, pp. 722-740. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98012-2_51.

Nel, W., De Wet L., Schall R. (2021). Randomised Controlled Cross-Over Trial Measuring Brain-Computer Interface Metrics to Characterise the User Experience of Search Engines When Ambiguous Search Queries Are Used. In: Escalona M.J., Ramirez A.J., Silva H.P., Constantine L., Helfert M., Holzinger A. (eds) Computer-Human Interaction Research and Applications. CHIRA 2018, CHIRA 2019. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 1351. Springer, Cham, pp. 102-123. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67108-2_6.

JOURNAL ARTICLES
Fouché, R.C., Nel, W. (2025). Beyond the Classroom: Service-Learning as a Mechanism for Social Transformation in IT Education. In book: Proceedings of the 5th Conference Society 5.0 - Co-existence Between Human Being and Machine Being. Publisher: Springer CCIS

Khomokhoana, P. J., Nel, W., & Fouché, R. C. (2025). Perceived weaknesses of post-graduates in a group supervision setup: lived experiences of a small sample of South African students. The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning, 20(1), pp. 138-159. https://doi.org/10.17159/1edbey54

Bezuidenhout, R., Nel, W. and Maritz, J.M. (2023). Permissionless Blockchain Systems as Pseudo-Random Number Generators for Decentralized Consensus. in IEEE Access, vol. 11, pp. 14587-14611, 2023, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3244403. (Q1, H-Index: 204)

Bezuidenhout, R., Nel, W. and Maritz, J. (2022). Defining Decentralisation in Permissionless Blockchain Systems in The African Journal of Information and Communication (AJIC). South Africa, (29), pp. 1–24. https://doi.org/10.23962/ajic.i29.14247

Bezuidenhout, R., Nel, W.& Maritz, J.M. (2022). Embedding Tamper-Resistant, Publicly Verifiable Random Number Seeds in Permissionless Blockchain Systems, in IEEE Access, vol. 10, pp. 39912-39925, https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3165616. (Q1, H-Index: 204)

Bezuidenhout, R., Nel, W., & Burger, A. (2020). NONLINEAR PROOF-OF-WORK: IMPROVING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF BITCOIN MINING. Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation, 10(1), pp. 20-32. https://doi.org/10.36615/jcpmi.v10i1.351

PEER-REVIEWED CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS
Nel, W., Fouché, R.C. (2025). Gender, Self-Efficacy, and Computer Literacy Acquisition in Marginalised South African Communities. Proceedings of the 54th Annual Conference of the Southern African Computer Lecturers` Association (SACLA 2025), July 30 – August 1, 2025. At: Bloemfontein, South Africa. ISBN: 978-1-0370-5208-8

Bezuidenhout, R., Nel, W. (2023). Exponentially Distributed Nonlinear Proof-of-Work:Saving Energy while Preserving Decentralisation in Bitcoin Mining. 2023 International Conference on Electrical, Computer and Energy Technologies (ICECET). Cape Town, South Africa, 2023, pp. 1-7, doi: 10.1109/ICECET58911.2023.10389429

Nel, W., De Wet, L. and Schall, R. (2020). Randomised Controlled Trial of the Usability of Major Search Engines (Google, Yahoo! and Bing) When using Ambiguous Search Queries.In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Computer-Human Interaction Research and Applications - Volume 1: CHIRA, ISBN 978-989-758-480-0, pages 152-161. DOI: 10.5220/0010133601520161

Nel, W., De Wet, L. and Schall, R. (2019). The Effect of Search Engine, Search Term and Occasion on Brain-Computer Interface Metrics for Emotions When Ambiguous Search Queries Are Used.In Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Computer-Human Interaction Research and Applications - Volume 1: CHIRA, ISBN 978-989-758-376-6, pages 28-39. DOI: 10.5220/0008164900280039

Nel, W. and Burger, A.J. (2017). Proving cybercriminals` possession of stolen credit card details on compromised POS devices.  Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security,  ICCWS 2017, Dayton, USA.  ISBN: 978-1-911218-26-5

Nel, W. and Haskins, B.P.  (2013). Development of an online portal for conference management.  Proceedings of the 15th Annual Conference on World Wide Web Applications 10-13 September 2013. ISBN: 978-0-620-59570-4.

Nel, W. and De Wet, L. (2013). An investigation into the Internet and search engine experience of a diverse group of first year university students.  Proceedings of the 15th Annual Conference on World Wide Web Applications 10-13 September 2013. ISBN: 978-0-620-59570-4.

Barker, D., Taljaard, P.R., Spies, D.C., Nel, W., Jooste, A., Laubscher, K., Hoffman, L., Rich, K., Haskins, B.P. and Bonnet, P. (2009). An advance in value chain analysis for smallholder livestock keepers - VAIMS , Regional Symposium on Livestock marketing in the horn of Africa: working towards best practices , Nairobi, Kenya, 21-Oct-2009 - 23-Oct-2009

NON-ACCREDITED CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS, PROCEEDINGS AND PARTICIPATION
Bothma, J.D.P., Nel, W. and Fouche, R.C. (2024). Effektiwiteit verifikasie van nie-liniêre Bewys-van-Werk blokskakel konsensus algoritmes. Paper presented at Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns - Student Symposium, October 2024, Bloemfontein.

Loader, K., Nel, W. and Nel, L. (2024). Interaktiewe Blokskakel Opvoedkundige Stelsel. Paper presented at Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns - Student Symposium, October 2024, Bloemfontein.

Krause, R., Nel, W. and Fouche, R. (2023). Blokskakel Fluitjieblaser-Stelsel. Paper presented at Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns - Student Symposium, October 2023, Pretoria.

Bothma, J., Nel, W., & Fouché, R. (2023). ‘n Ondersteunende stelsel vir die toets van konsensus-algoritmes. Suid-Afrikaans Tydskrif Vir Natuurwetenskap En Tegnologie / South African Journal of Science and Technology, 41(1), 115. http://www.satnt.ac.za/index.php/satnt/article/view/939

Nel, W. and Bezuidenhout, R. (2023). Smart Resource Trading Using Blockchain Technology. Paper presented at 5th National Global Change Conference, January 2023, Bloemfontein.

Myburg, R., Nel, W. and Fouche, R. (2021). Implementering van nlBvW algoritme in ‘n geïsoleerde blokskakelstelsel. Paper presented at Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns - Student Symposium, October 2021, Potchefstroom.

Bothma, J.D.P., Nel, W. and Fouche, R. (2021). ‘n Ondersteunende stelsel vir die toets van konsensus- algoritmes. Paper presented at Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns - Student Symposium, October 2021, Potchefstroom.

Bezuidenhout, R., Nel, W. and Burger, A.J. (2019). Improving the Energy Efficiency of Bitcoin Mining. Paper presented at the Free State Fourth Industrial Revolution Summit, November 2019, Bloemfontein.

Bezuidenhout, R., Nel W., Burger, A.J. (2019). Trouelose oorsprongverifikasie van elektroniese intellektuele eiendom deur middel van blokskakeltegnologie (“blockchain technology”), Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Natuurwetenskap en Tegnologie 38(1). https://doi.org/10.36303/SATNT.2019.38.1.759

Bezuidenhout, R., Nel, W. and Burger, A.J. (2018). Trouelose Oorsprong-Verifikasie van Elektroniese Intellektuele Eiendom deur middel van Blokskakel-Tegnologie (Blockchain Technology). Paper presented at Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns - Student Symposium, October 2018, Pretoria.

Nel, W. and De Wet, L. (2014). ‘Dubbelsinnige websoekstringe: ’n Vergelyking van soekenjins en gebruikersinteraksies’, Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir  Natuurwetenskap en Tegnologie 33(1), Art. #1021, 1 page. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/satnt.v33i1.1021

Nel, W. and De Wet,L. (2012). Dubbelsinnige webversoekstringe: `n vergelyking van soekenjins en gebruikersinteraksies. Paper presented at Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns - Student Symposium, 2012, Potchefstroom, Suid Afrika, 25-Oct-2012 - 26-Oct-2012.

De Wet, L., Greeff, F. and Nel, W. (2012). Comparing Questionnaire and Physiological Usability Testing Results for a Social Network. Proceedings of the International Conference on Innovations of Information System & Computer Engineering (ECIISCE 2012), Vienna, Austria. May 2012.

Greeff F., De Wet, L. and Nel, W. (2011). Die kombinering van fisiologiese- en tradisionele gebruiker-toetstegnieke om n sosiale netwerk op verskeie tegnologiese platforms te evalueer. Paper presented at the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns, October 2011, Pretoria.

Nel, W. and Mcdonald T. (2009). Comparing search engines and user interaction in respect of ambiguous web search queries. Paper presented at Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns - Student Symposium, October 2009, Bloemfontein.

UNPUBLISHED BOOKS
Beelders, T.R., Nel, W., Campbell, B.  (2013). Advanced Databases and Database Administration. Edition:1st, South Africa, Bloemfontein, Xerox. 149 pp. 0.

Beelders, T.R., Nel, W., Campbell, B.  (2012). Databases - The programmer`s guide. Edition:1st, South Africa, Bloemfontein, Xerox. 149 pp. 0.

Campbell, B., Nel, W., Beelders, T.R.  (2011). Introduction to .Net programming using C# and Designing and developing a data-driven Windows application.  Prescribed text book for a short course 2011.

PUBLISHED BOOKS
Nel, W., van Biljon, A., van Biljon H. (2016). Visual Basic for Applications - An Introductory Guide. Edition: 3rd, RiDan Computers, Hennenman, South Africa. 182 pp. 0.  ISBN: 978-1-920-06228-6

Nel, W., van Biljon, A. (2015). Visual Basic for Applications - An Introductory Guide. Edition: 2nd, RiDan Computers, Hennenman, South Africa. 154 pp. 0.  ISBN: 978-1-920-06229-3

Nel, W., van Biljon, A. (2014). Visual Basic for Applications - An Introductory Guide. Edition: 1st, RiDan Computers, Hennenman, South Africa. 148 pp. 0.  ISBN: 978-1-920-06230-9

NEWS ARTICLES
UFS student’s research project aims to protect the country’s whistleblowers

Digital Inclusion
Service-learning
Digital literacy
Blockchain Technology
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Cyber Security

• Mobile development
• Networking
• Software Engineering

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