Dr Armand du Plessis is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University. His research focuses on the intersection of machine learning and renewable energy, with a particular interest in developing innovative engineering solutions to address sustainability challenges. Armand is dedicated to advancing research, education, and entrepreneurship within these fields, and actively mentors students and early-career researchers. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stellenbosch University and has contributed to several collaborative projects and publications in leading journals. Passionate about bridging academia and industry, he is committed to fostering interdisciplinary partnerships that drive technological innovation and societal impact.