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06 March 2020 | Story Thabo Kessah | Photo Tsepo Moeketsi
Dr Ocaya
Dr Richard Ocaya’s research addresses the skills development and transfer millennium goal of many governments globally.
With the Fourth Industrial Revolution becoming a reality, Dr Richard Ocaya’s research is receptive to the fact that Africa and the world need to re-imagine their research. His research focuses on electronic instrumentation design for scientific measurements, computational physics on atomic nano-atomic structures, and semiconducting organic compounds materials built on silicon to realise Schottky devices.

Software developer 
“I develop most of the instrumentation that I apply in my research – both software and hardware,” said Dr Ocaya, a Physics Lecturer and Programme Director: Physics and Chemistry on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus.

“I am active in scientific computing through the computing cluster and software development, mathematical physics for material science modelling, and embedded instrumentation design using microprocessors. I also have deep interest in radio and data telemetry, in which I hold a South African patent issued in 2013. My present international collaborations are with like-minded researchers in similar fields in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Japan, Egypt, South Korea, and the United States,” he added.

How does his research talk to the real world?
“The driving principle of all areas of my research has always been to deploy cutting-edge research to actual, real-world applications for the immediate betterment of Africans. The areas of my research align closely with the millennium goals of many governments globally, including the Republic of South Africa. These goals pertain to skills development and transfer that position us to better address the challenges of energy, water, and other priorities.”

Dr Ocaya is currently co-promoting a PhD student, having previously supervised one PhD, two MSc, and more than twenty honours students. He is a self-taught electronics and computer programmer, whose curiosity led him to question ‘the voices and music coming from a box; a radio’. “In my quest to satisfy my curiosity, I collected many discarded devices, took them apart, and tried so many circuits, only to have them fail because the theory was lacking. After thousands of failed projects and with me barely thirteen and in lower secondary school, my first ever project actually worked,” he said.

NRF-rating
He is the author of the book Introduction to Control Systems Analysis using Point Symmetries: An application of Lie Symmetries, which is available in all major bookstores such as Amazon, in both print and e-book format. He is a C3 NRF-rated researcher whose work makes a pioneering contribution to the new and growing field of phononics, an independent field of the now established photonics.

“This field will someday lead to improved energy-storage devices and faster processors due to more efficient heat removal from nanodevices,” he concludes.


News Archive

The UFS #FaceOfFacebook
2014-11-14

At the UFS, we are committed to our Human Project, which sets the standard for good behaviour and care. It reaches internally to our students and externally to our prospective students and our communities.

And so, the Kovsies #FaceOfFacebook was born from the need to communicate with students and thus become a virtual friend. Yearly auditions are held to choose the new face representing the UFS on Facebook. The successful candidate holds the title #FaceOfFacebook for the next 12 months, attending events and filming short video clips to post on our Facebook page.

We had a quick chat with our current #FaceOfFacebook, Katleho 'Blue' Letube …

Who is Blue?

"Media mistress, fashion phenom, diva divine darling, superwoman and lover of life.
I was born in a small town called Bothaville, where my mom and her side of the family are living . I started pre-school there, moved and completed my schooling career at St. Andrew's High School (a very proud S aint) in Welkom. That is where my dad and his side of the family are living . Also, I am a proud resident of House NJ vd Merwe and I am studying Governance and Political Transformation."

How do you balance everything you do?

"It's relatively easy for me to strike a balance between my academics, social life and leadership duties, because Jesus is at the centre of all that I do. He is my guide and my strength. However, I also take it upon myself to prioritise. Although I am a '' liker of things'' , I ensure that my academics are the priority and everything else falls into place perfectly."

Are you dating someone?

"Hahaha, wouldn't you just love to know? Well, yes I am off-market. I'm completely taken and I'm happy."

What drives you?

"I always feel the urge to expand myself by working harder, smarter, stronger, and more efficiently. If there's an extra mile to go, the strength inside me draws out the willingness and ability to go that extra mile."

What is it like being the #FaceOfFacebook?

"I have been privileged to be entrusted with this duty and I carry it out with pride and passion. Being the #FaceOfFacebook means you get to meet a new face on campus almost every day, because people recognis e you and want to know you better. This opportunity has opened many doors for me and has equipped me with skills that have allowed me to grow as an individual. Therefore I will forever be grateful."

Where are you going to be in five years from now?

"Five years from now I would like to see myself as a better person both personally and professionally, in a respectable and reputed position earned through my hard work and skills. However, do not be surprised if you see me as a presenter on Vuzu.TV."

Advice to prospective students?

"Do not be that pupil who enrolled at this awesome institute and never takes advantage of its kindness. The University of The Free State is an institution that offers an excessive amount of opportunities to students. Step up and get out of your comfort zone. See an opportunity, seek the opportunity and cease it. You are at a university that provides you with a platform for you to grow."

What's your favourite colour?

My favourite colours are Black, White and Blue – hahaha!!

Kovsies can keep in touch:

Facebook: Katlego Blue Letube
Twitter: @Princess_blue31
Instagram: katlegoletube

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