Mpfareleni Rejoyce Gavhi-Molefe

Rejoyce is a Mathematical Scientist and a Senior Manager of AIMS House of Science. Before joining AIMS, she was a postdoctoral fellow in Mathematics at the University of Alberta, Canada. She received her PhD, MSc and Honours in Mathematics and MPhil in Science and Technology Studies, with a focus on Science Communication/Public Engagement from Stellenbosch University. She also holds a BSc degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Venda. Her research focus is on Subdivision used in computer-aided design application areas, such as aircraft design and animation movie production. Her other research interests include Science Communication/Science-Society Engagement.

Her role as a Manager of the House of Science includes the provision of leadership, direction and drive on the Public Engagement landscape; the development of sustainable Public Engagement frameworks; the provision of capacity building and training for Public Engagement across diverse platforms and multidisciplinary approaches; and the monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of learning of Public Engagement activities programs undertaken by AIMS academics, lecturers, researchers, students, and alumni.

Rejoyce has been involved in outreach activities that aim to contribute to the upliftment of disadvantaged communities concerning mathematics and science education and an advocate for gender equality in STEM. From 2018-2019, she served as a member of the South African National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) Council and chaired one of the NACI Working Committees - the Transformation in the National Systems of Innovation Programme (NSI). She is a founder of MathAfrica, which aims to raise awareness about the need for quality mathematics education in disadvantaged African communities. From 2016-2017, she co-initiated a book project titled, ‘Because Science is Fun: Stories of Emerging Female Scientists in South Africa’. During her stint as a postdoctoral fellow in Canada, Rejoyce also co-founded the Canadian mentoring organisation MentorUP. In 2019, she co-founded the South African Women in Mathematical Sciences Association.