MAYUMBO NYIRENDA
876
Summary
A seasoned professional in applied AI, with experience in the automated classification of images through deep learning techniques. Expertise in user-centric evaluation, including perceived workload assessment using NASA-TLX, usability testing, and technology acceptance modelling. Proven track record in innovation and tech transfer, managing intellectual property and fostering strategic partnerships for research commercialisation. Adept at formulating national digital health policies and integrating health information systems as part of strategic planning initiatives with the Ministry of Health for 2022-2026. Committed to advancing healthcare technology through strategic innovation and policy development.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Acting Director
University of Zambia
2026.04 - 2026.04
- Leading the translation of academic research into sustainable national services and commercial products.
- Managing Intellectual Property (IP) and facilitating technology transfer between the University, the Ministry of Health, and industry partners.
- Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (DITTC)
Lecturer in computer science
The University of Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia
2008.06 - Current
- Coordinated guest lectures from industry professionals, providing students with real-world perspectives on computer science theories.
- Facilitated discussion panels at international conferences to share insights from research findings.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of student performance using advanced data analysis software, ensuring continuous improvement in their grades.
- Improved course curriculum through regular updates based on latest industry trends.
- Partnered with local businesses for internships opportunities elevating student employment rates post graduation.
- Published numerous research papers in recognised tech journals, thus contributing to the field's knowledge base.
Head of Computer Science Department
University of Zambia
2019.08 - 2023.08
- Managed departmental operations and directed research into AI-driven diagnostic workflows for respiratory diseases.
- Served on the technical committee for the MOH National Digital Health Strategic Plan (2022–2026).
Assistant Dean (Undergraduate)
University of Zambia
2017.11 - 2019.08
- Directed academic planning and undergraduate student affairs for the School of Natural Sciences.
- School of Natural Sciences
Research Assistant
Hokkaido University
2016.04 - 2017.09
- Developed simulations for epidemic data assimilation, utilizing Big Data to model infectious disease progression.
- Research Center for Zoonosis Control
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
The University of Zambia
Lusaka/Zambia 2001.01 - 2005.09
Master of Science - Computer Science
University of Cape Town
Cape Town/South Africa 2006.02 - 2008.06
Doctor of Philosophy - Computer Science
Hokkaido University
Sapporo/Japan 2012.10 - 2017.09
Skills
- Medical AI & Radiography: Automated Classification of Pneumonia/TB, CNN Validation, Deep Learning for Clinical Imaging
- User-Centric Evaluation: Perceived Workload Assessment (NASA-TLX), Usability & Usefulness Testing, Technology Acceptance Modeling (TAM)
- Innovation & Tech Transfer: IP Management, Research Commercialization, Strategic Partnerships, Technology Scaling
- National Strategy: Digital Health Policy Formulation, Strategic Planning (MOH 2022-2026), Health Information Systems Integration
Websites
REFEREES
- Hussein, Suleman, Prof., hussein@cs.uct.ac.za, University of Cape Town
- David, Zulu, Mr., dzulu@unza.zm, University of Zambia
- Temwa, Nyirenda, Mr., tsnyirenda@yahoo.com, National Assembly of Zambia
KEY PROJECTS & CONSULTANCIES
AI System Evaluation (Radiography): Lead researcher evaluating the usability and workload impact of AI systems for the semi-automated detection of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in low-resource settings., MOH Digital Health Strategic Plan (2022–2026): Technical contributor to the national digital transformation roadmap., Zambia Meteorological Department: Lead Consultant for an AI System for Seasonal Rainfall Forecasting., Fall Armyworm Management: Lead Coordinator for AI/CNN-based identification systems.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
- Nyirenda, M., et al. "Evaluating Perceived Workload, Usability and Usefulness of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Low-Resource Settings: Semi-automated Classification and Detection of Community Acquired Pneumonia." Springer Nature: Information and Communication Technologies for Development, 2025.
- Nyirenda, M., et al. "Estimating the lineage dynamics of human influenza B viruses." PLOS ONE. (Focus: Epidemic Modeling/Data Assimilation).
- Chulu, F., Phiri, J., Nyirenda, M., et al. "A Convolutional Neural Network for Automatic Identification and Classification of Fall Army Worm Moth." IJACSA, 2019. (Focus: CNN Image Classification).
- Simukanga, A., Phiri, J., Nyirenda, M., et al. "ICT in Governance Systems: A Case Study of the FISP Farmer Registration System." ZAPUC, 2018. (Focus: User-System Interaction).
Accomplishments
Fellow, Information Technology Association of Zambia
Timeline
Acting Director
University of Zambia
2026.04 - 2026.04
Head of Computer Science Department
University of Zambia
2019.08 - 2023.08
Assistant Dean (Undergraduate)
University of Zambia
2017.11 - 2019.08
Research Assistant
Hokkaido University
2016.04 - 2017.09
Doctor of Philosophy - Computer Science
Hokkaido University
2012.10 - 2017.09
Lecturer in computer science
The University of Zambia
2008.06 - Current
Master of Science - Computer Science
University of Cape Town
2006.02 - 2008.06
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
The University of Zambia
2001.01 - 2005.09