Introducing 2021 fellow Lerato Mpheshea
Lerato Mpheshea joins the 2021 cohort of Ocean Womxn as a PhD candidate studying key drivers that influence different temperature and rainfall anomaly patterns associated with ENSO over southern African sub-continent. Building on her master’s research and her experience as a climate modeller at the CSIR, she hopes to develop the research into real world applications in the water and Agricultural sector.
With a background in academia and industry, Mpheshea has experienced first-hand the challenges faced by women in science – and all fields. With her Ocean Womxn fellows, she hopes to build a future where women are never undermined.
You’re the newest member of Ocean Womxn. Congratulations!
Thank you! I haven’t been this excited since when I started varsity. This is a whole new journey for me, and I’m thrilled to join this group of talented womxn.
You’re joining us with a master’s and industry experience. Tell us about your background.
I completed my master’s in 2014 from the University of Cape Town. I studied Ocean and Climate dynamics and my main interests lies in air-sea interaction and its impact on southern African climate.
“It’s not just about being a black womxn and being undermined in this field – but that being a woman you are undermined in whichever field, no matter the colour of your skin.”
In February of 2014 I started working at the CSIR, under the then Natural Resources and the Environment Unit now known as the Smart Places Cluster. My focus there was climate modelling and climate research. Because CSIR is a multidisciplinary institution I found myself working on multidisciplinary projects including – Biodiversity, Water, Energy, Agriculture and Transport. It was indeed an amazing experience. My understanding of earth systems broadened. I have always been fascinated by the interactions between the atmosphere and ocean, at the CSIR I was exposed to the Land component. I am looking forward to exploring Land-Ocean-Atmosphere interaction at UCT.
How does it feel to make the move from industry to academia?
Well, it is exciting. Being at the industry for several years has greatly influenced my point of view as a scientist. I am grateful for this opportunity that I have been given by Ocean womxn to express it. Also, I believe the skills I gained will benefit me in building a solid career in academia.
What is you’re the focus of your PhD research?
My research looks at how phenomenon such as the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), SST fluctuations in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and how they interact with each other and with other regional circulation to potentially alter expected impact of ENSO over southern Africa.
What do you hope to achieve with your research?
With all the effects we’re seeing now with climate change, COVID-19 and other factors, we will start to see more emphasis on local agriculture and its role in resuscitating the economy of South Africa and globally.
While we have good forecasting systems in place to build agricultural capacity, we lack knowledge around various events or dynamics that could potentially affect the efficiency of those systems. I hope to add to that knowledge by bringing new insights into the mechanics of a delayed rainfall season or extreme temperatures that affect the agricultural sector.
Ocean Womxn is all about supporting talented black womxn in ocean science. How does that goal connect with you?
I am from a family of only girls. My parents encouraged us to do everything around the house. For instance, if a light bulb needed to be changed or some screw needed to be tightened up– there was no need for us to wait for us my dad to do it. We’ll do what needed to be done. I grew up knowing that women are capable. Ocean Womxn is really reinforcing what I was taught at home. Having worked for years in industry, I know it’s not just about being a black womxn and being undermined in this field – but that being a woman you are undermined in whichever field, no matter the colour of your skin.
I saw first-hand that you could be sitting in a boardroom as the expert in your field, but if you were with male colleagues, you’d be automatically viewed as a secretary, as not knowledgeable in your field. Even when you’re asked to weigh in or comment on something, they’d still turn to your male colleagues. I saw that happen many times and I want to draw attention to it and change it.
How can Ocean Womxn help you do that?
We’re living in a patriarchal society. Initiatives like Ocean Womxn recognise that we need to empower womxn in science, and womxn in general. It speaks to what I believe in and what I want to live the rest of my life doing, which is to ensure that no woman feels undermined. This fellowship is just the platform that I need to showcase what womxn can do if we work hard and are committed to what we’re doing, despite the challenges we face.