A short summary of Lanche`s research:

I have always been fascinated by and interested in mathematics and its applications in the real world. This passion naturally steered me towards a field where mathematics was not just a tool, but a cornerstone. During my undergraduate studies, the field of electromagnetics caught my interest, largely due to the enthusiasm and expertise of my lecturers. Their deep knowledge and engaging teaching methods allowed me to see and imagine the intricate and elegant world of electromagnetic theory.

The more I delved into electromagnetics, the more I was drawn to antenna design. Antennas, with their ability to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, struck me as a marvel of engineering. They are not only essential components in modern communication systems, but also perfect examples of how mathematical principles can be applied to solve practical problems. For my undergraduate thesis, I chose to focus on antenna (and phased array antenna) design. This project allowed me to simulate, build and test the antenna. The experience solidified my interest and expertise in this niche area.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I decided to pursue a postgraduate degree where I was introduced to the field of radar. Radar, which stands for Radio Detection and Ranging, uses electromagnetic waves to detect and locate objects. The concepts behind radar systems — such as signal processing, wave propagation, and the Doppler effect — were intellectually stimulating and offered a new dimension to my understanding of electromagnetics. Radar technology, with its roots in military applications, has evolved to encompass a wide range of uses from air traffic control to weather monitoring.

One particular area of radar technology that captivated me was Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging. Unlike conventional radar systems, ISAR imaging is used to produce high-resolution images of moving targets. This technology works by exploiting the relative motion between the radar and the target to create a synthetic aperture, effectively simulating a larger antenna and thereby achieving greater image resolution. My fascination with ISAR imaging stems from its application beyond traditional military uses. In ISAR imaging, the principles of radar are applied to civilian and non-military activities, such as maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, and even medical imaging. The potential to contribute to diverse fields by leveraging ISAR technology was a compelling reason for me to dive deeper into this area of research.

ISAR imaging presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The need for precise motion compensation and sophisticated signal processing techniques makes it a highly mathematical field, which aligns perfectly with my love for mathematics. The interdisciplinary nature of ISAR - encompassing aspects of electrical engineering, computer science, and applied physics - makes it a dynamic and exciting area of research.

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2040. Can you describe the (potential) impact of your research?

Antenna design and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) research have significant impacts across various sectors, driving advancements in communication, defense, environmental monitoring, and beyond.

Antenna design is fundamental to the functioning of modern communication systems. Advances in this field have enabled the development of more efficient, compact, and versatile antennas, which are crucial for wireless communication, satellite systems, and broadcasting. Antennas are the 'mouths' and 'ears' of the electromagnetic world, without which we would not be able to communicate electronically.

ISAR technology leverages the principles of radar to produce high-resolution images of non-cooperative moving targets. The impact of ISAR technology is particularly notable in the fields of surveillance and environmental monitoring. In defense, ISAR enhances the capability to identify and track objects, such as ships and aircraft, even in cluttered environments, thus improving situational awareness, decision-making and maritime safety and security. In environmental monitoring, ISAR contributes to the observation and analysis of natural phenomena. For instance, it can monitor glacier movements, forest density changes, and other ecological dynamics, providing critical data for climate research and conservation efforts. ISAR's ability to generate detailed images from radar data makes it a powerful tool for studying and understanding environmental changes.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles early career researchers are faced with?

Early career researchers face many obstacles that can impact their professional development and career progression. One challenge is securing funding as grant applications are very competitive and there are limited research funding opportunities. Since early career researchers do not have an established research track record yet, this makes it difficult for them to obtain the financial support needed to conduct independent research and establish themselves in their field.

Another obstacle is the pressure to publish since this affects their career growth. The peer review process can be lengthy and uncertain, adding to the stress and uncertainty faced by early career researchers.

Mentorship and networking opportunities are also critical yet often inadequate for early career researchers. Effective mentorship can provide guidance, support, and valuable connections within the academic community. However, not all early career researchers have access to strong mentors or robust professional networks. This could leave them feeling isolated.

Finally, balancing work-life commitments is also a challenge. The demands of establishing a research career, coupled with personal responsibilities, can lead to burnout and potentially affect the mental health of the early career researcher.

What would you regard as the most important aspects to consider to effectively support early career researchers?

Providing access to and assistance with sufficient funding opportunities and resources is important for the projects of early career researchers, along with attending conferences, which is vital to their professional development and networking.

Making a strong mentorship program available to early career researchers can significantly benefit them by offering guidance, feedback, and career advice. Mentors can help early career researchers navigate the complexities of academia, assist in setting realistic goals, and provide emotional support. This includes publication support (in terms of the publication process) as well as workshops on writing and submitting papers. This will ease the pressures of publishing.

Career development by offering training in transferable skills, such as grant writing, teaching, and project management, can enhance the career prospects of early career researchers. Career services should also help with networking opportunities within and outside academia.

 
What excites you about your work? 

What excites me most about my research work in antenna design and ISAR imaging is the profound impact it has on advancing technology and solving real-world problems. The meticulous process of designing efficient antennas and developing high-resolution ISAR imaging techniques showcases the elegance of applying mathematical and electromagnetic principles to create tangible, innovative solutions. The challenges inherent in this field offer constant intellectual stimulation and opportunities for new discoveries.

Connect with Lanche and his work!

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lanche-grootboom-010b92142