Team SKA
Sharmila relaxing on a walk at Langebaan lagoon.
Dr Sharmila Goedhart – SKA-Mid Head of Science Operations One might say South Africa’s star has risen quickly in astronomy. Huge investment and home-grown innovation led to the development of the world-class MeerKAT radio telescope, inaugurated in 2018, and a new generation of scientists and engineers has been inspired by the country’s successful bid to become an SKAO host country. Among them is Dr Sharmila Goedhart, appointed as the head of science operations for the SKA-Mid telescope earlier this year. She simultaneously holds the same role for MeerKAT, and will oversee its integration into SKA-Mid. Sharmila spoke to us about the complexities of that task, national pride over the SKA project, and the many creative outlets that fill her spare time. Let’s start at the beginning, Sharmila. Where did you grow up and what kind of things did you enjoy as a youngster? I was born in Paarl, South Africa, and spent my childhood in various locations in Cape Town. I was a rather introverted child, and terribly clumsy and uncoordinated, so I did not do anything sporty. I preferred to spend my spare time with my nose in a book, preferably under a tree somewhere. I also really enjoyed arts and crafts, but my access to supplies was limited (cue my later obsession with art and craft supplies). I remember sewing little dolls clothes by hand using scraps from my mother’s sewing, and then trading them for the fancy Barbie accessories that my parents couldn’t buy me.
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ABOVE: Sharmila with her husband, Andrew, on their wedding day. ISSUE
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