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South African student finds International Space Weather Camp enlightening

tumisho gabanangata
Tumisho Gabanangata says he found great joy in the diverse cultures and traditions of his international colleagues. Photo courtesy of Tumisho Gabanangata

A first-year South African master’s student who is studying the behaviors of energized gases called plasmas at the vast scales they are found in space says his internship at the International Space Weather Camp (ISWC) sponsored annually by the Future Technologies & enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP) grant was an enlightening aid to his future career path.

ISWC is an opportunity for students from the United States and internationally to learn about space physics in the context of understanding the influence of the sun on space and the upper atmosphere of the Earth, and its related impact on the technological systems and needs of modern society.

Applications for the June 27 to July 25, 2025, ISWC are being accepted now.

FTPP is a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that supports a collaboration of nine statewide universities and a research organization dedicated to plasma research, commercialization and the establishment of a plasma workforce in Alabama. The project is managed by The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“I am developing simulations to understand the formation and evolution of winged radio galaxies,” says Tumisho Gabanangata of his research. “These simulations aim to explore whether a single model can account for their distinctive shapes, such as X, S, and Z, and to predict what might be observed using advanced telescopes like MeerKAT and LOFAR.”

teamwork required

Soon to be in his second year at the University of Pretoria, Gabanangata says ISWC interns were required to work as a team for every project chosen.

“I had the privilege of working in a collaborative environment with individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, including those with honors, master’s, and PhD qualifications,” he says. “Observing their meticulous attention to detail and extensive knowledge has inspired me to pursue a PhD, as I aspire to achieve a similar level of expertise and precision in my work.”

Although the internship primarily focused on space weather, Gabanangata says he found great joy in learning about the diverse cultures and traditions of his international colleagues.

“Despite our differences, I was struck by the similarities in our approaches and perspectives, and this added a unique dimension to our collaborative efforts,” he says.

“As for how the program has prepared me for my career goals, I feel that it was instrumental. Given my passion for working with data, the project I chose required handling large datasets. These projects were meticulously organized and designed to test and enhance my skills,” says Gabanangata, who is from a small town called Kuruman, based in the Northern Cape Province in South Africa.

“Collaborating with knowledgeable peers allowed me to learn new techniques for managing data efficiently. As a result, I have been continuously improving my methods, recognizing that there is always a better way to accomplish tasks.”

Without the FTPP internship, he feels that his career prospects might have been more limited.

“I would have lacked the practical experience, professional exposure and networking opportunities that the internship provided,” Gabanangata says. “It has undoubtedly accelerated my career trajectory and equipped me with skills and confidence I needed.”

Immersion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) during ISWC was immensely beneficial, he says.

“I feel that the internship has not merely affected my STEM awareness and efficacy; rather, it has significantly enhanced them,” Gabanangata says. “Prior to the internship, much of my academic work was theoretical in nature. However, the internship has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the practical applications of STEM in real world scenarios.”

He says the hands-on experience has deepened his appreciation for the interconnectedness of various STEM fields and their collective contribution to scientific advancements.