3 minute read
Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
...and the Oscar goes to—world-famous EBIT alumnus
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By Estie Powell
Nicol Verheem obtained a degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the University of Pretoria and has since been honoured by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the Scientific and Technical Awards (Sci-Tech) category.
Verheem’s company invented the Teradek Bolt, a wireless radio transmitter that can transmit uncompressed video to a receiver over 3 km away with no delay. His innovative project started in 2010, when digital cinematography was relatively new and cinematographers were eager to use cameras in more flexible ways, increasingly making use of Steadicams, dollies, jib arms and cranes (plus, drones were taking off), but coaxial cables were holding things back. Teradek decided that this wasn’t good enough.
The team developed a miniature wireless transmitter, the Teradek Cube, which was small enough to mount on a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera and presented a big opportunity in untethering the monitor from the camera. It was capable and sturdy, yet still affordable. However, it had a small but noticeable delay of about four frames. They then discovered Amimon’s technology, which managed to send uncompressed video over a wireless signal without any delay, but the product was meant for living rooms rather than cinema production.
Teradek and Amimon worked closely together to refine the technology and create the Teradek Bolt. Over 100 000 systems have been sold, and many productions around the world have benefited from cameras being freed from their cables.
Oscar winner – Nichol Verheem
Uwaiza Abdool Sattar, a success story of student leadership
Looking at the mesmerising world and listening to the voices of the people around me made me wonder where I will eventually fit in and what my contribution will be.
I have come a long way since mumbling my first few words, forcefully crawling towards my most wanted toy and taking my first steps. The life cycle starts slowly, but with effort, great heights can be achieved.
After completing school, I enrolled at the University of Pretoria to study information technology. Suddenly, I was surrounded by career-driven students walking haphazardly into lecture rooms, voices echoing in hallways, and students anxiously searching for information in the libraries.
I am a final-year BIT (Information Systems) student. This degree offers exciting opportunities in the new digital economy. I want to pursue my dream of becoming a systems analyst and driving the development and design of different systems that will improve the productivity of various businesses and organisations. the consequent availability of new tools, resources and techniques.
As an EBIT student, I have been granted the opportunity to take on various leadership roles. In my second year, I had the privilege of serving as the Secretary of the JuniorTukkie Student Ambassadors Society and of EBIT House. This year, I am the Chairperson of EBIT House and the SRC Academics Representative. In filling these roles, I have gained team-building skills and learned the value of good human relations and fostering potential.
The Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme promotes creativity and encourages leaders to take risks in applying their knowledge. This will assist in developing problem-solving analysis and encourage adaptation to different scenarios. Programmes like these increase students’ confidence and encourage them to tackle problems with determination to become nextgeneration innovators.
Uwaiza Abdool Sattar
Innovation is the gift that keeps on giving and is revolutionising the world. It is the result of continuous inspiring ideas, processes and developments and keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.
My dream for Africa is that its people feel valued and proud, standing hand-inhand in unity despite their differences. We should accept our flaws, celebrate our successes and bring forth a remarkable generation. Africa has a rich cultural and ethnic diversity, a unique heritage and much more. I would like to contribute to ensuring a better life for all and the dissemination of knowledge that will equip people to make remarkable contributions. Everyone has the potential to make a difference, and today is the day to take the first step!
