Keynote Speakers
Prof. (Dr.) Abdullah Khan
Professor & Head (MCA)
University Institute of Computing Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab India.
Prof. Abdullah Khan is a distinguished figure in the field of Computer Science, serving as the Professor and Head of the Master of Computer Applications (MCA) program at the University Institute of Computing, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India. Holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the School of Computer Applications at Babu Banarasi Das University in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, Prof. Khan’s expertise lies in the realm of Software Engineering, with a specific focus on Software Testability. His doctoral research, titled “Measuring Testability of Object-Oriented Design at Design Phase,” showcases his dedication to advancing the understanding and methodologies surrounding software development processes. Born in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, Prof. Abdullah Khan is of Indian nationality and has pursued an illustrious academic journey. He completed his post-graduation with a Master of Computer Applications (M.C.A.) from Uttar Pradesh Technical University in Lucknow in 2006, following which he embarked on his doctoral studies. Prof. Khan’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from Lucknow University, as well as secondary and higher secondary education from the Board of High School and Intermediate Education in Uttar Pradesh. His commitment to academic excellence and his contributions to the field of Computer Science make him a respected figure both within the academic community and the broader industry landscape.
Prof. Dr. samuel mungai mbuguah
Associate Professor/Director Planning and Organization Performance
Kibabii University Bungoma
Professor Samuel Mungai Mbuguah is a distinguished academic with a remarkable educational journey spanning across reputable institutions worldwide. He earned his Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Electronic Engineering from the Chartered Engineering Institute in the United Kingdom, solidifying his foundation in Electronic Engineering. Subsequently, he pursued a Master of Science in Computer-Based Information Systems at the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom, augmenting his expertise in the realm of technology. Driven by a quest for deeper knowledge, he completed his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Information Technology from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya, where he delved into advanced research in his field of specialization. Professor Mbuguah’s expertise lies at the intersection of Information Technology and Electronic Engineering, making him a versatile and sought-after figure in academia and industry alike. His membership in prestigious professional bodies such as the British Computer Society (BCS), Engineering Council (UK) as a Chartered Engineer, and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) underscores his commitment to excellence and professional development. Professor Mbuguah’s professional research interests gravitate towards metrics and modeling, as well as exploring computer software and hardware architectures. His dedication to advancing knowledge in these domains not only enriches academic discourse but also contributes significantly to the evolution of technology in contemporary society.
Dr. Diana Bogdanova
Associate Professor
Department of Computer Mathematics and Cybernetics
Ufa University of Science and Technology
Dr. Diana Bogdanova is an esteemed Associate Professor celebrated for her expertise at the nexus of technology and social-economic systems. With an illustrious academic trajectory, she commenced her scholarly voyage in Ufa, Russian Federation, excelling in both secondary and lyceum education, culminating in the receipt of a Certificate with Honors and a Silver medal. Her fervor for Mathematical Methods in Economics propelled her through Ufa State Aviation Technical University, where she garnered a Diploma with Honors in 2005, followed by a Ph.D. in Technics specializing in Management in social and economic systems in 2008. Adding to her accolades, she acquired a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science with Honors in 2016. Dr. Bogdanova’s professional narrative unfolds with diverse experiences, beginning as a Technician at RADEK, LTD (Ufa) from 2000 to 2003, transitioning to a Leading Economist until 2005. Since then, she has been an indispensable asset at Ufa University of Science and Technology (UUST), where she currently serves as Associate Professor within the Faculty of Computer Science and Robotics (FCSR) and the Department of Computing Mathematics and Cybernetics (DCMC). Over her decade-long tenure at UUST, she has made substantial contributions to academic and research pursuits. Dr. Bogdanova’s research spectrum is broad and interdisciplinary, spanning Customer Relationship Management, Multi-agent systems, Ontological Knowledge Bases, Decision Support Systems, Social-Economic Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Affective computing. Her innovative endeavors have positioned her as a thought leader in her field, driving forward the frontiers of knowledge and shaping the future of technology and social-economic systems.
Prof Alta van der Merwe
Deputy Dean, Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
University of Pretoria
Prof Alta van der Merwe, a distinguished leader in computer science and informatics with over two decades of experience, currently serves as the Deputy Dean of Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria. With a tenure of over 12 years at the university, she has held key positions including Deputy Dean and Head of Department for Informatics, showcasing her adeptness in academic leadership. Prior to her role at the University of Pretoria, Prof van der Merwe served as a Principal Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), gaining valuable insights into applied research and industry collaboration. Her academic journey is marked by excellence, culminating in a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of South Africa and a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics from esteemed institutions. Throughout her career, she has been deeply involved in impactful projects like the MOSAIC 2B initiative, demonstrating her commitment to leveraging technology for societal development. As a full professor, she has significantly contributed to computer science education and research, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and nurturing talent. Prof Alta van der Merwe’s enduring dedication to academic excellence and research innovation continues to shape the future of engineering, built environment, and information technology, making her an inspirational figure within the university community.
Dr Audrey Masizana
Head of Department, Department of Computer Science
University of Botswana
Dr Audrey Masizana is Senior Lecturer and an Immediate Head of Department of Computer Science at the University of Botswana. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from UMIST in the UK (2004), and teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in areas of Decision Support Systems, Expert Systems, Data Warehousing and Web Engineering. Her research interests are mainly in the area of Decision and Intelligent systems, particularly application of mathematical and computing techniques to decision problems. She has been involved in a number of research activities including Mobile Telephony and Health Care Research Projects one of which was sponsored by Microsoft, Indigenous Knowledge Systems under Centre of Scientific Research and Indigenous Knowledge (CesrIKi). She has written several conference papers, journal articles, book chapter, and also carries out MSc and PhD students’ project supervision. She is in active member of organising academic conferences both local and international and is currently the chair of IASTED Africa to be held in Botswana in 2016. Dr Masizana is also founding chair of Computer Society of Botswana which was registered in 2010.
