Master of Science (MSc) degree graduate Ms Tasmiya Papiah is already making meaningful contributions to South Africa’s growing presence in cutting-edge astrophysics research.

Papiah’s academic journey at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has been shaped by curiosity, determination and a passion for understanding the universe. She chose to pursue her MSc at UKZN largely because of the opportunity to work on the HIRAX project, a decision she made after visiting the HIRAX Lab during her honours year.

The Hydrogen Intensity and Real-time Analysis eXperiment, or HIRAX project, is a radio telescope array which will eventually consist of 1 024 dishes aimed at mapping nearly all of the Southern skies. The first stage of the project is set to be completed by mid-2026.

For Papiah, the project not only offered her valuable hands-on research experience but also the chance to learn under the mentorship of Professor Kavilan Moodley, Director of the HIRAX Project, whose guidance has been instrumental in her development as a researcher.

Her research, titled: ‘Drone Based Beam Mapping Data for the HIRAX Array’, focuses on improving how radio telescopes are calibrated, which is an essential step in ensuring the accuracy of astronomical observations. Using a drone, Papiah mapped how a radio telescope ‘sees’ the sky. By transmitting a signal from the drone and measuring how the telescope detects it from different angles, she can better understand and correct the instrument’s measurements. This work is particularly important for projects like HIRAX, which study faint signals from hydrogen in space to explore how the universe is expanding. In September 2024, Papiah earned her remote pilot certificate for drones from the Starlite Aviation Training Academy in Virginia, Durban.

“My interest grew from a curiosity about how the universe works on large scales, especially questions around dark energy and cosmic expansion. During my studies, I became interested in radio astronomy and how real data is used to answer these questions,” she said. “Radio astronomy stood out because it connects physics, data analysis and instrumentation in one field. Working on the HIRAX project gave me the opportunity to combine theory with hands-on experimental work, which motivated me to pursue this area further.”

The significance of her work lies in its contribution to improving the precision of radio astronomy measurements. By enhancing calibration techniques, her research helps ensure that experiments like HIRAX can produce reliable data, ultimately supporting efforts to understand the nature of dark energy and how the universe evolves over time better.

Looking ahead, Papiah plans to continue her academic journey by pursuing a PhD at UKZN, where she will further develop her expertise in radio astronomy, data analysis and instrumentation.

Papiah also believes in inspiring others and plays a robust role in the HIRAX astronomy outreach programme, and when not in the lab, you can find her giving career talks and supporting high school learners in their academic journeys.

She credits her success to a strong support system. Her family has been a constant source of encouragement, while her friends have helped her stay motivated through challenging periods. She also acknowledged the mentorship of Dr Anthony Walters alongside Professor Kavilan Moodley, both of whom have played key roles in shaping her academic path.

Outside her research, Papiah leads a vibrant and balanced life. She enjoys cooking, reading, dancing and creating art as well as spending time scuba diving and exploring nature.

Reflecting on her journey, Papiah is thankful for the opportunity to contribute to impactful research in South Africa. She encouraged aspiring students to embrace uncertainty and remain persistent: ask questions, seek mentorship and continue moving forward despite challenges.

She draws inspiration from astronaut Christina Koch, whose words resonate deeply with her own journey: “Follow your passions, live the life you imagined and do what scares you.”

Words: Prashina Ramcharan

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini