Herman le Roux

Email: herman.leroux@dias.ie

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering | 2025 - Present

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies & Technological University of the Shannon
Dublin, Ireland

  • Research focus: Machine learning and image processing techniques for detection and classification of solar features and activity
  • Chief Observer for Irish-LOFAR radio telescope (data management and observation scheduling)

M.Sc. in Computer Science | 2023 - 2024

North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

  • Dissertation: “Comparison of deep learning methods for solar radio burst classification”

B.Sc. Honours in Computer Science and Information Systems | 2022

North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

  • Graduated with Distinction
  • Specialisations AI, Image Processing, Decision Supports Systems and Databases.

B.Sc. in Information Technology | 2019 - 2021

North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa

  • Graduated with Distinction
  • Coursera Specialization in Python 3 Programming (University of Michigan)

Research Experience

Ph.D. Researcher | 2025 - Present

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies

  • Developing machine learning models for automated detection and classification of solar radio phenomena
  • Managing data pipelines and observation scheduling for I-LOFAR radio telescope
  • Conducting research in solar physics, radio astronomy, and deep learning applications
  • Assisting masters research students in collecting and processing of data for M dwarf observations using I-LOFAR

Research Supervision | 2023 - 2024

North-West University

Co-supervised Honours research projects titled:

  • Generating type II and type III solar radio bursts using Generative Adversarial Networks
  • Advancing Sunspot Measurement and Analysis: Integrating Deep Learning and Digital Image Processing
  • Automated Calculation of Sunspot Area using Digital Image Processing

Teaching Experience

Temporary Lecturer | 2023 - 2025

North-West University

  • Artificial Intelligence (CMPG 313) - 3rd year students (2023, 2024, 2025 distance cohort)
    • Curriculum development, lecture delivery, assignment and exam creation and assessment
  • Decision Support Systems (ITRI 628) - Graduate level (2024)
  • Communications Skills (CMPG 214) - 2nd year IT/CS students (2023, 2024)
  • Introduction to Programming with GUIs (CMPG 122) - 1st year students (2023)
    • C# and Visual Studio

Tutor | 2021-2022

North-West University

  • Object-Oriented Programming (CMPG 211) - 2nd year students
  • Introduction to GUIs (CMPG 122) - 1st year students

Professional Development

Awards & Honors

  • Second-Best Paper Award - International Applied Computing Conference, Lisbon (2022)
  • Best Research Project - B.Sc. Honours in IT & Computer Science cohort, North-West University (2022)
  • Best Research Project Presentation - B.Sc. Honours in IT & Computer Science cohort, North-West University (2022)

Outreach & Community Engagement

  • DIAS Dunsink Observatory - Public outreach activities (2025-Present)
  • Robotics Education - Community outreach for underprivileged children (2022-2024)