Christo Visser - RFI Manager - South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

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Christo Visser joined SARAO in April 2024 as the RFI Manager. He previously worked in the telecommunications industry, specializing in Electromagnetic Health and Safety. Over nearly two decades in this field, Christo developed and managed RF measurement, simulation, and reporting systems and procedures. He also implemented management structures and spearheaded new business development efforts, adapting existing technologies for entry into new markets.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch (2006) and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering (2019). His Master’s thesis focused on technology management, specifically exploring systematic approaches to transforming implicit knowledge and technology into explicit, accessible artifacts in large and diverse organizations.

In his role at SARAO, Christo oversees the monitoring and management of the RF environment at the site. His responsibilities include establishing monitoring systems, stations, and measurement infrastructure; developing bespoke measurement chambers, equipment, and methodologies; and leading the operations and development of SARAO’s RFI team. One of his most significant challenges is balancing the inherently RF-noisy process of constructing new telescopes, such as the SKA, with maintaining the pristine RFI environment essential for groundbreaking science with MeerKAT.