Andrew Collier
Founder +
Lead Data Scientist
Andrew holds a Masters Degree in Nuclear Physics (North-West University, South Africa), and a PhD in Space Physics (KTH Royal institute of Technology, Sweden).
Having worked on all seven continents, and with experience in academic and commercial environments, Andrew has honed his skills in research, data analysis and scientific computing. Equally importantly, he has refined his ability to teach and communicate, ensuring his knowledge and insights are conveyed in an intuitive and easily accessible way to experts and laymen alike. Technical content in plain English.
Outside of work, Andrew continues to play with computers and data. He also enjoys cooking and gardening (and the outdoors in general). He’s a keen runner (both road and trail) and has slogged his way to a Comrades Marathon Green Number.
Andrew is patient, kind + enthusiastic
Matthew Dennis
Senior Data Scientist
Matthew has an unusually diverse background, having worked as a school teacher and a composer of classical music prior to his current role as a data scientist. Working as a teacher refined his ability to clearly convey complex ideas, and he brings an emphasis on quality and precision to his work with data. Matthew particularly enjoys using R, and gets excited about projects that involve web scraping or building applications with shiny. Outside of work, you’ll probably find Matthew running – either on the slopes of Table Mountain, after a frisbee, or after his one-year-old daughter.
Matthew is creative, thorough + adventurous
Gavin Masterson
Senior Data Scientist
As an animal enthusiast studying Zoology & Ecology was a natural choice for Gavin. He is always interested in real-world applications of knowledge so his PhD made use of occupancy modelling to map reptile species' distributions within a managed, grassland reserve. The research aimed to understand and alleviate some of the difficulty associated with studying hard-to-find reptiles.
When Gavin isn’t working you can generally find him in one of three places:
- on the hunt for adventure, looking for (and sometimes finding) snakes, interesting species of lizards, scorpions, spiders, and more,
- Swimming (particularly in open water),
- Hitting a tennis ball.
Gavin is friendly, confident + curious
Emma Collier
Junior Developer +
Office Administrator
As a junior developer, Emma is involved in all areas of development from design, to implementation, to testing. She also fulfils administrative duties for the business – ensuring projects run smoothly and the team is kept in check!
Fathom believes in developing and nurturing talent, and Emma believes she benefits from this in terms of continuously learning new skills and getting to apply them to interesting projects.
Before joining the Fathom team, Emma was employed as a junior draughtsman in a mechanical engineering firm, and outside of work Emma’s passions include cooking, oriental dancing, drawing and hiking with her dog ‘Mopsy’.
Emma is creative, excited + optimistic
James Theil
Senior Data Scientist
Another member of the team to have a diverse background James has taught English in South Korea, been an addiction counsellor and worked as a post-graduate lecturer and tutor all while studying Psychology through the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
While working on his Masters James very quickly found himself pulled towards quantitative research. His Masters research, which focused on group behaviour, aimed to simulate an interacting exchange network using an agent-based model while his current PhD research makes use of reinforcement learning integrated within agent based models. The aim of his PhD research is to tap into the mechanisms that generate and sustain inequality in society.
When James isn’t working on his PhD you can find him either camping, crafting something magical at his woodworking station, fishing or whipping up some sourdough!
James is empathetic, meticulous + determined
Bianca Peterson
Senior Data Scientist
Bianca obtained her PhD in Environmental Sciences (genetics) in 2017, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen). She is a certified instructor and trainer for The Carpentries and a co-chair of the CODATA-RDA Schools of Research Data Science Working Group. She is passionate about teaching foundational computational skills to people in academia and industry to help them work more efficiently.
In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano, hiking or doing some DIY projects around the house.
Bianca is enthusiastic, curious + determined
Leani Bothma
Junior Data Scientist
Leani developed an interest in data analytics and app development during her PhD study which aimed to establish the secondary pollution effects of antiretroviral drugs on micro-organism ecosystems in aquatic environments. While doing her prostgradute studies, Leani also worked as a science tutor to highschoolers and undergraduate students where she learned to simplify and explain complex topics. Leani has also worked as a systems and process developer for the North-West University Faculty of Engineering.
In her free time Leani enjoys making music, canoeing and hiking trips, and DIY projects.
Leani is curious, friendly + creative
Shani Le Roux
Data Scientist
Shani obtained a PhD in Physiology from the North-West University, South Africa, and did a postdoctoral fellowship at Glasgow University, Scotland. After being a lecturer and cardiovascular researcher for 10+ years, she switched from the world of acadaemia to data science. She now enjoys combining her passion for data, statistics, and science to take on new challenges with the Fathom team.
Shani only sits still while she is working. Any other time, you will find her working off some adrenalin in nature or at home with her family. She loves gardening and things that involve mountains, the beach, or the ocean.
Shani is kind, diligent + enthusiastic
Houcine Ben Guedria
Data Scientist
Houcine Ben Guedria is an IT and automation engineer, having graduated from the National Institute of Applied Science and Technology in Tunisia. His passion for technology extends into the realms of data, AI, and machine learning, where he constantly seeks to expand his knowledge and skills.
Beyond the digital world, Houcine is an avid adventure seeker, finding solace in camping and the refreshing embrace of open waters through swimming. He's a true explorer at heart, drawn to the beauty of landscapes, which he captures skillfully through the lens of his camera, revealing the world's marvels in a unique and artistic light.
When not immersed in the realms of technology or exploring the great outdoors, Houcine is a devoted football fan, cheering passionately for his favorite team and embracing the thrill of the sport. His diverse interests and enthusiasm for life make him a dynamic and engaging individual, always ready to embrace new experiences and share his love for both technology and the world around him.
Houcine is ambitious, adventurous + creative
Andri Prozesky
Senior Data Scientist
Andri holds a doctorate in computational astrophysics, where her primary research centred on developing computer models that simulate the atomic physics within photoionized nebulae. After more than a decade of experience in academia, she decided to enter the dynamic world of data science. She enjoys applying her analytical skills and creative thinking to tackle a wide range of complex problems.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Andri enjoys reading fiction, cooking and interior design.
Andri is curious, dedicated + diligent
Awie Le Roux
Senior Development Engineer
Awie has a BSc degree in computing (Cum Laude) through the University of South Africa and has always been interested in computers, data and technology. Having worked on complex business solutions as a software and integration developer for over 9 years, Awie has developed the necessary skills to solve a wide variety of software and data problems.
Oustide of work, Awie enjoys spending time with his wife and family, playing games, tinkering in the garage or otherwise riding his motorcycle.
Awie is inquisitive, logical + trustworthy
Kalonji A. Tshisekedi
Junior Data Scientist
Kalonji is a junior data scientist and molecular biologist who blends his knowledge of microbiology and biomedicine with his enthusiasm for data science. He developed a fascination for the world of data during his PhD, where he focuses on interpreting complex microbial OMICS data. His academic journey includes roles as a lecturer and academic content developer, where he honed his skills in simplifying intricate subjects. Outside of work, Kalonji enjoys photography, playing musical instruments, and is an enthusiastic traveler.