Prof. Dephney Mathebula hails from Giyani at Muyexe Village, which is where she attended Muyexe Primary School and Hatlani Muyexe High School. She holds a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics, a BSc Honours in Mathematics, bith from the University of Venda; a BSc Honours in Mathematics and MSc in Mathematics, both from Stellenbosch University. In 2018, she became the first South African to obtain a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Venda. Prof. Mathebula's research focus is on the mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. These models provide an understanding of the underlying causes of a complex phenomenon by predicting the future and impact of disease control measures. Her love of mathematical modelling kicked off at the African Institute of Mathematical Science in South Africa. Prof Dephney is also NITheCS Associate and mentor to young people who aspire to follow careers in STEM.