Global Graduate: Rofhiwa Tshipuke

Rofhiwa Tshipuke, Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering

About Rofhiwa

Rofhiwa Ishmael Tshipuke was born on the 14th of December 1994 to Mr. Tshililo Donald Tshipuke and Mrs. Tshisamphiri Doris Tshipuke in Limpopo, South Africa. He completed his high school at Lethulwazi Comprehensive School to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Science and Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in 2016. He then went to complete his Bachelor of Science with honors in Physics from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in 2017.

He then did an internship with Eskom in the Reactor Fuel Engineering group of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in 2018 under the guidance of Noluthando Kana. He joined the Reactor Dynamics and Fuel Modeling Group at NSCU in 2019 to pursue his Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering under the guidance of Dr. Maria Avramova in the field of core neutronics, core and system thermal-hydraulics and will be graduating with a master’s degree in Spring 2021.

How was your experience at NC State University?

Moving from an African country to NC state has been an awesome experience especially for a person who was the first to have entered grad school in their family. Despite the American stereotypes one sees on TV and the media, I was met by the most welcoming people at State. The department was very diverse and provide a suitable environment for learning and growing as a grad student. the initiatives by the OIS allowed interaction with other international students of which we had similar experiences when it came to adjusting to life in the US. Through NC state I also picked up a new sport with the men’s rugby team of which I formed lifelong friendships. Off the pitch, the friends I made at state will forever be forged in my heart and cant to be reunited with them. I have enjoyed my stay at State and will always be a proud pack member wherever I go. Go wolfpack!!

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment during your time at NC State?

Completing my degree on time

What are your plans post graduation?

Employment with the National Nuclear Regulator of South Africa

Do you have any advice for current or incoming international students?

Make friends, speak out when you have a hard time, take advantage of the resources at State. But most importantly, make the most of your stay and have fun. Good luck!