The next Shocklab Seminar will be in-person on Thursday, 14 August 2025, at 16:00 (GMT+2). Dr Daniel Okoh will be presenting: "Efforts at Developing ML/AI-Driven Applications for Space Weather Prediction and Forecasting".

Prof. Patrick McSharry will be presenting: "Applied Intelligence: Machine Learning for Societal and Commercial Transformation".

Title: Efforts at Developing ML/AI-Driven Applications for Space Weather Prediction and Forecasting
Speaker: Dr Daniel Okoh
Date:  Thursday, 14 August 2025​​​​​​​
Venue: M209 Mathematics Building, University of Cape Town​​​​​​​
Time: 16:00-17:00 (GMT +2)
Zoom Meeting Link: https://uct-za.zoom.us/j/92750361177?pwd=QzNiRzBJRjRITVlwa2k5SVNkVmx5UT09

Abstract: In recent years, the application of ML/AI techniques has opened new frontiers in the monitoring, modelling, and forecasting of space weather phenomena. This presentation outlines a suite of ML/AI-driven models developed as part of ongoing research efforts to enhance space weather capabilities across Africa and beyond. Key efforts to be presented include the AfriTEC model, which is a regional ionospheric Total Electron Content model optimized for the African sector; the NN-3D model, which reconstructs the global three-dimensional electron density distribution using COSMIC GNSS radio occultation data; and the Bootstrapping Convolutional Neural Network model for the automated detection of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles in all-sky airglow images. These initiatives aim to develop robust, data-driven tools to support operational space weather monitoring and early warning systems, particularly in underrepresented regions like Africa.

Bio: Dr. Daniel Okoh is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Technical University of Kenya under the DARA (Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy) program. He has worked as researcher with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). He holds a PhD in Astrophysics, and his research focuses on the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to space weather modelling and ionospheric science. He completed his MSc coursework at the University of Cape Town under the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP) and has maintained strong collaborations across Africa and internationally, including with SANSA, E-JUST, and universities across Africa. He is the recipient of the 2024 AGU Africa Award for Research Excellence in Space Science. Dr. Okoh leads the development of innovative models like the AfriTEC model for regional ionospheric Total Electron Content over Africa, and the NN-3D model for global 3D electron density reconstruction using COSMIC radio occultation data. He is actively involved in capacity building through teaching, supervision, and outreach.

See you there!