Mark Jacobson

Advanced the Open Data Platform from an idealised concept to a precisely realised system, facilitating the curation and publication of research data outputs. Enabled the publication, discovery, and citation of marine and terrestrial observational data, underpinning the successful CoreTrustSeal certification of the SAEON Open Data Platform.

Participated in an interregional meeting on the architecture and development of the NUTEC plastic database for marine microplastic monitoring. Contributed to the global monitoring of marine plastic pollution under the IAEA NUclear TEChnology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) Initiative.

Undertook a series of short-term contracts, developing tools to harvest metadata from OPeNDAP and SQL datasources. Contributed to institutional metadata repositories.

Pursued a Masters (MSc by dissertation) in Ocean and Atmosphere Science, focusing on numerical work in Python. Attended the High Performance Computing Winter School and presented at the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences Conference.

Developed a system for transforming structured learning content into Microsoft Word, PDF, and HTML documents using Office Open XML and HTML templates. Wrote a UI automation framework for automatic re-recording and localization of interactive learning content, and participated in refactoring to a service-oriented architecture.

Contributed to the development of the hosting API, integrating various hosting offerings with backend server and network infrastructure. Played a central role in migrating customer accounts and services to a new hosting platform.

Participated in a research and wilderness training expedition, carrying out fieldwork relating to indigenous and exotic flora and fauna research. Conducted trail maintenance in coordination with national parks.

Developed desktop applications for corporate billing solutions as part of the Core Interfaces team. Created a bespoke data visualisation component underpinned by a directed acyclic graph and an analytical tool using Bash scripting and Backus-Naur form grammars.

Developed a product registration system for the company’s vehicle rental software.

Participated in a marine research and conservation expedition, involving coral reef surveys as part of a Mesoamerican Barrier Reef monitoring programme. Conducted turtle and alligator surveys, and provided English lessons for local families and schools.

Developed task processing and scoring algorithms for interactive learning content and served as technical lead for SCORM compliance. Contributed to the evolution of the company’s development processes.

Contributed to the redevelopment of an outdated pharmaceutical stock and distribution management system.

Developed software for hand-held scanners and monitoring systems used in warehouse environments.

Majored in Mathematics and Computer Science, gaining a solid foundation in both quantitative and computational fields. This degree provided essential analytical and problem-solving skills.

Grade: With distinction overall, and distinctions in Mathematics and Physical Science

Activities and societies: Top 10 in the UCT Schools Mathematics Competition.

Achieved overall distinction and distinctions in Mathematics and Physical Science. Ranked in the Top 10 in the UCT Schools Mathematics Competition.

Activities and societies: Attended the High Performance Computing Winter School 2015; Presented a poster at the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences Conference 2016.

Pursued a Masters (MSc by dissertation) in Ocean and Atmosphere Science, focusing on numerical work in Python. Completed an honours-level course in computational fluid dynamics with distinction.

Grade: With distinction in all modules

Achieved distinction in all modules, demonstrating a strong grasp of physical science principles. This diploma provided a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Grade: With distinction – and Class Medal

Graduated with distinction and received a Class Medal in Ocean and Atmosphere Science. This advanced degree built upon foundational scientific knowledge.