Theses
Graduate research spanning immune-inspired AI, dynamic difficulty balancing, and generative modelling.
Research
Exploring gradient-free generative AI, immune-inspired methods, and applied AI for learning, security, and games.
I explore gradient-free generative modelling -- how machines can learn and create without backpropagation -- and its intersections with immune-inspired AI and deep learning. Applied work spans AI in teaching and learning, cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, and game AI.
Current Projects
- VQ-Augmented Generative Adversarial Networks for Mixed Tabular Data Synthesis
- IMPRINT: A Probabilistic Immune-Inspired Generative Framework for Mitigating Class Imbalance in Financial Fraud Detection
- AMPERE: A Hierarchical Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning and Evolutionary Algorithm Framework for Optimising Smart Grid Electricity Distribution
- Source Code Plagiarism Detection using Abstract Syntax Trees and Machine Learning
- Evaluating Negative Sampling Strategies for Knowledge Graph Embedding Models
International Collaborations
- Generative AI as an Enabler in Smart CitiesHCU Hamburg, Germany
- Applications of AI for Critical Information Infrastructure SecurityDFKI, Germany
Masters and Doctoral
- IoT Dual-Phase Intrusion Detection using Artificial Immune Systems2025
- Representation and Contrastive Learning through Artificial Immune Networks2025
- BIMDO: Bio-Inspired Optimization of Deep Learning Models for Malware Detection2025
- KSSGA: Knowledge-Sharing Symbiotic Game Agents to Augment Non-Player Character Competitiveness2025
- Relation-Oriented Enhancements for Neural Tensor Networks2024
Consulting
Advisory, education, and enablement for AI strategy, learning technology, and data-driven operations.
Services
- AdvisoryAI strategy, product roadmaps, build/buy guidance
- EducationLearning tech, LMS design, analytics, training programs
- EnablementWorkshops for technical and leadership teams
Selected engagements
Global food technology company
Training and competency monitoring platform for HR and Quality/Safety; tracks ISO27001-aligned compliance and BEE notional hours across plants.
Online programming school
End-to-end LMS (15-month roadmap) covering user/auth flows, course/assessment builds, analytics, reporting, messaging, and deployment.
Invited Talks & Panels
Keynotes and panels on critical infrastructure protection, bio-inspired AI, and AI ethics in Africa.
- Critical Information Infrastructure Protection - Cybersecurity Workshop, State Security Agency with Namibian Intelligence ServicesNov 2024
- Biologically Inspired AI and the Optimisation of Complex Processing - 4IR Technologies Seminar, State Security AgencyMar 2023
- Critical Information Infrastructure Protection - Cybersecurity Workshop, State Security Agency with Namibian Intelligence ServicesNov 2022
- Machine Learning Bias and the Need for African Datasets - SICSS/JIAS Summer SchoolJun 2022
Teaching
Curriculum leadership across foundational CS, advanced AI, and external moderation.
Undergraduate Modules
- Computer Science 3A (CSC03A3): Advanced Data Structures (Java)Coordinator
- Computer Science 1B (CSC02B2): Data Communications (Java)Coordinator
- Computer Science 1A (CSC01A1): Introduction to Algorithm Development (C++)Coordinator
- Computer Science 1B (CSC01B1): Introduction to Data Structures (C++)Coordinator
- Computer Science 2A (CSC02A2): Object-Oriented Programming (Java)Lecturer
- Informatics 2A (IFM02A2): Database Design (SQL)Lecturer
Honours Modules
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence (IT18X57): Generative ModellingCoordinator
- Computer Construction (IT08X87): Natural Language ProcessingCoordinator
- Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (IT08X32)Coordinator
Short Learning Programmes
- Cybersecurity Governance, CIIP, Cybercrime and Cyberwarfare (INTICS1)Coordinator
- Operating Systems (HCO060Q)Coordinator
- Introduction to Malicious Software and Ethical Hacking (INTMSE4)Coordinator
- Project Management (HCO090Q)Coordinator
- Introduction to Digital Forensics (INTDIG3)Lecturer
External Moderation
- Evolutionary Computation (WRCV402) - NMU2025
- Basic Computer Organisation (COMS1015A/1019A) - Wits2025
- Fintech Fundamentals - MANCOSA2024
Publications
Please see my Google Scholar profile for my list of publications. Click here.
Contact
If you are a student interested in doing a Masters or PhD under my supervision, feel free to email me. You do not need to have your topic figured out; I can guide you through that process.
If you are a researcher interested in collaborating on a project or grant application, I would be happy to hear from you.
Direct
- Emailsiphesihles@uj.ac.za
- AddressUniversity of Johannesburg
Collaborate
For AI, generative models, or AI in education initiatives, propose a project or invite me to review a grant or special session.