Professor Kevin Duffy, who heads up the Institute of Systems Science at DUT, will deliver his inaugural lecture on Wednesday, 12 March 2014, at the DUT Hotel School Conference Centre, DUT Ritson Campus, at 18h30.
Titled: Science: seeking mysteries and magic in nature, Prof Duffy will devote his inaugural lecture explaining why he chose to become a scientist. He will try to explain how nature is both beautiful and mysterious. In his talk, he will use examples from his own “meagre” findings as a scientist to attempt to show an excitement for the subject.
The word ‘science’ probably brings to mind many different pictures such as white lab coats and microscopes or an astronomer peering through a telescope. Indeed, these images reflect some aspect of science. However, science has so many facets and Prof Duffy aims to explain how science is continually refining and expanding our knowledge of the universe and how it leads to new questions for future investigation.
“One way to try to define science is as a systematic method to develop knowledge of the universe by testing logical explanations. However, this description tends to make science appear dry and formal. The methods of science can be dry and formal but the underlying findings can be mysterious and filled with paradox. Nature is not straight forward to understand,” said Prof Duffy.
Prof Duffy uses dynamic models to understand system processes in various fields of research. Examples include questions from ecology, agriculture, biophysics, engineering, musical rhythm and literature.
Over the last 10 years, he has acquired and managed over R20 million for large research projects. Examples include:
– The development of system dynamic models of the long-term influences of meso-browsers (like buck) and mega-browsers (like elephant) on woodland dynamics, and how these can assist in identifying management priorities.
– The development of specialised mathematical and computer simulation models for energy efficiency in mining operations.
– Developing decision support simulation tools for increasing agricultural production and food security in Africa.
“In all these projects, the effects of space and time on process dynamics are analysed to better understand the system and to help with management strategies,” he said.
Prof Duffy started his academic career at the University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal), studying mathematics and paying for his studies by providing computer support in the campus computer services division. He went on to do a Research Master’s under Prof Sarp Adali (UKZN) on the optimal design of fibre reinforced composite laminates using mathematical and computer models. He then went to the United States to do a PhD at the University of Virginia in Biophysics. In this study, he developed models to understand bacterial migration behaviours.
On his return to South Africa, his work lead on to studies of elephant patterns of movement. Other research has evolved with the recurring theme of his interest in the inter-connection between the apparently random and not so random patterns in nature.
– Waheeda Peters
Pictured: Prof Kevin Duffy, head of the Institute of Systems Science at the Durban University of Technology, who will deliver his inaugural lecture on 12 March 2014.
