HPI welcomes two new members
The HPI Research School at UCT welcomes two new members to its lab: Dr Folasade Adedeji with the Department of Computer Science and Popyeni Kautondokwa with the Department of Information Systems.
Folasade holds a PhD in Computer Science from Babcock University, Nigeria, and is currently undertaking postdoctoral research, supervised by Professor Hussein Suleman, that explores strategies to break the repetitive cycle of Learning Management System (LMS) adoption challenges in African universities, aiming to develop sustainable, context-appropriate digital learning frameworks.
Folasade has made significant contributions to educational technology and digital transformation efforts in African contexts. She has led impactful projects like Mobilearn, a web-based platform that provides after-school learning support for K–12 students in underserved communities, which later evolved into SchoolOnAir—a free educational platform to help students prepare for university entrance exams—and Lesson Teacher, its mobile app counterpart. Folasade also spearheads community initiatives such as Coding for Kids and STEM advocacy programs to promote digital inclusion.
Folasade learned about the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) through a network of colleagues during the COMPASS '23 conference, which sparked further interest in research collaborations.
Popyeni's PhD research, supervised by Professor Irwin Brown, explores how organisations approach information security strategy through a strategy-as-practice lens, with a specific focus on Namibian state-owned entities. His curiosity and passion for endless possibilities have driven him to expand his knowledge in IT.
With over 10 years of experience in IT, Popyeni began his career in his home country, Namibia. He holds a Diploma in IT from the University of South Africa, a Bachelor of Science in Computing and IT from the University of Derby, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town. He also earned a Master of Commerce in Information Systems from the same institution.
Popyeni learned about HPI from colleagues in the IS Department, where he is currently a teaching and research assistant. He was inspired to join the HPI fellowship by its strong sense of community and the impactful work carried out by its research fellows.
We look forward to seeing Folasade and Popyeni’s work over the coming years, and wish them the best on their exciting journeys.
HPI at UCT is financially supported by the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Engineering.