Jess
Auerbach
Jahajeeah
MPhil Inclusive Innovation
I direct the University of Cape Town's MPhil in Inclusive Innovation. This degree provides a unique opportunity for a wide diversity of students to engage in transformative learning in their first year. In the second year they write substantive dissertations speaking to inclusive innovation across sectors.
Education & Awards
PhD Anthropology Stanford University 2017
MSc Forced Migration Oxford University 2010
BSocSci (Hons) University of Cape Town 2008
NRF P Rating [emerging leader in field], 2022
Research and Innovation Award: Most Productive Emerging Researcher, North-West University 2021
Engaged Teaching and Learning Award, North-West University 2021
Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study Iso Lomso Fellowship 2022-2024
National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences: Longlist for best monograph 2021
Research
My research interests are capacious but broadly fit into three thematic areas that centre Africa, oceanic connection, and imagination.
(i) education realities and futures
(ii) digital infrastructure and connectivity
(iii) class and social mobility
The geographic focus of my work has thus far been Angola and the South Atlantic, the Indian Ocean region, specifically Mauritius, and to a lesser extent South Africa.
Teaching
I have taught all levels of anthropology and social sciences, and in my new role am supporting qualitative research at UCT's Graduate School of Business. I currently teach ethography, systems thinking, research methods, and social/civic interventions for impact. I teach on Oxford University's EMBA South Africa program, and give numerous guest lectures every year.
Supervision
My supervisees come from a wide range of disciplinary and professionl backgrounds. All participate in Light Lab activities.
Kelvin Ashie, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town Tech and Healthcare in Ghana
Aseidas Blauveldt, PhD in Management, University of Cape Town, AI in Agriculture
Mufudzi Chihambakwe, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town. Spinal Care provision in rural communities.
Tochukwu Egesi, PhD Computer Science University of Cape Town Nigerian Fibre Optic Cables *Co-supervised with Melissa Densmore
Lehlohonolo Kekana, PhD Management Science, University of Cape Town Anthropology and Employability
Clint Mawing, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town.
Successful Municipalities in South Africa
Boitshoko Mosiane, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town Hair, Technology and Township Entrepreneurs * co-supervised with Phumlani Nkontwana
Keletso Phiri, MPhil Inclusive Innovation Univerity of Cape Town Last Mile Internet Delivery
Prashana Rampersad, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town Refugee Qualifications
Nic Richter, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town Hair and Schooling
Waseem Rawat, PhD Management, University of Cape Town Organisational Readiness for AI
Ona Sebitloane, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town
Janine Tilley, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town Wind Farms
Sharon Villette, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town Project Based Learning
Recent Graduates
Kuberan Cooper, MBA University of Cape Town Digital Southern Africa
Casper Dreyer, MA Anthropology, North-West University. Transformation in Rugby
Neo Hutiri, MPhil Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town. Scaling Start Ups.
Tasneem Jaffer, MBA University of Cape Town Micro-credentials *distinction.
Tebogo Maribe, MA Anthropology, North-West University. Education and Masculinity.
Thandiwe Twala, MA Anthropology, North-West University. Young South African Creatives
Hestia Victor, MA Anthropology North-West University Everyday Life in Small Town South Africa *distinction
. _ . Knowledge Mobilities. . .
21st C. Curricula South Atlantic <---> Indian Ocean; connection.
Program Director: Mphil in Inclusive Innovation, University of Cape Town
Associate Professor
Graduate School of Business
University of Cape Town
Research Affiliate
Centre for Research in Higher Education, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Curtin University, Mauritius
Universidade Katyavala Bwila, Angola
Optentia, North-West University, South Africa
Research Areas: Angola, South Atlantic, Mauritius, Indian Ocean,
Curriculum Studies
Research Thematics: class, aesthetics, science and technology studies, decoloniality, 21st century pedagogy, multinodal ethnography.
jess.auerbach@uct.ac.za
