Dr Syamala Krishnannair is a senior lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Zululand. Dr Krishnannair’s research interests include process data analytics, statistical machine learning, latent variable methods, high- dimensional time series latent variable modelling, process monitoring and fault diagnosis and data-driven statistical control and optimization. A major focus of her research is on the development of advanced multiscale multivariate statistical methods to detect faults in chemical process systems. The use of hybrid and advanced statistical models to detect and identify process faults is critically important in the efficient and safe operation of many process systems. Data-driven approaches form the basis of most of the methods designed to deal with complex and dynamic systems. This multidisciplinary research overlaps with areas such as applied statistics and data science. Applications include classification and identification abnormal events in time series signals from mining industry, fault detection in chemical process systems and anomaly detection in maritime domain. Dr Krishnnannair has published articles in peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Her work has been recognized through the award of research grants that she received from National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa for Thuthuka Programme and Capacity Development Grant from SASOL South Africa. She also got selected for 2020 and 2021 Pathways to a Successful Career Programme offered by Graduate Academy of Mathematical Sciences.

Dr. Krishannair successfully supervised one PhD project and is currently supervising and co-supervising nine masters’ projects. She offers postgraduate courses in ‘Optimization’ and ‘Multivariate Analysis’ and also undergraduate courses in applied mathematics. She is an active member of organisations such as South African Statistical Association, IEEE and South African Council for Automation and Control. Dr Krishnannair serves in the South African Council for Automation and Control EXCO committee as an institutional representative. Dr Krishnannair’s community involvement includes the organizing of workshops for the enhancement of teaching and learning of mathematics using blended learning strategies at high school and at university. She works with specialists from Department of Basic Education and Centre for Educational Testing for Access and Placement(CETAP) at University of Cape Town.

Dr Krishnnannair received her Master of Science (Mathematics from University of Kerala, India and Master of Science in Engineering and PhD in Engineering (Extractive Matallurgy) from University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.