I hold a PhD in Radio Astronomy from Rhodes University, after completing degrees in physics and electronics, computer science, music and telecommunications. Since 2005, I have been employed with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), responsible for implementing South Africa's strategic investments in radio astronomy. This includes South Africa's participation in the multinational Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, and construction and operation of the South African MeerKAT radio telescope - a premier research infrastructure. I current hold the position of Deputy Managing Director: Strategy & Partnerships. I have been responsible for establishing a protected radio astronomy reserve in South Africa for hosting of the international SKA project, and represented South Africa in the negotiation and establishment of the SKA Observatory - an inter-governmental treaty organisation.

I sit on a variety of local and international committees, including spectrum management, and have recently led the drafting, on behalf of the Department of Science and Innovation, of the South African National Open Science Policy.