Mic test 1, 2… Is this thing even on?

Who am I?

I’m Refiloe. I spend my days (and a concerning number of my nights) living at the intersection of computer architecture, operating systems, and the kind of hardware vulnerabilities that make sysadmins want to take up gardening. While most people see a CPU and think “fast math machine,” I see a complex labyrinth where side-channel attacks like Spectre and Meltdown are just waiting to ruin someone’s Tuesday.

What are my hobbies?

When I’m not hunting for hardware-level leaks, I’m likely finding my pitch with Veni Cantare, an all-men’s choir. There is a surprising amount of overlap between perfecting a choral harmony and perfecting a research paper—both require a lot of rehearsal and the occasional “let’s take that from the top” when the tone isn’t quite right. Singing provides the perfect mental reset from the high-stakes world of cybersecurity.

What do I do?

Currently, I’m an MSc Candidate and a Sessional Lecturer. My aspiration is to become a full-time lecturer who bridges the gap between high-level theory and the “wait, why is my code doing that?” reality of systems programming. I want the next generation of computer scientists to understand that the silicon under their fingers isn’t just magic—it’s a beautifully complex, occasionally rebellious machine that needs a firm (and secure) hand.

Why should you care?

• If you’re a student: I make OS and architecture sound less like ancient Greek and more like the fascinating, slightly broken puzzles they are.
• If you’re a collaborator: I bring a “let’s see if we can break this” attitude to system security and a genuine love for the technical grit of hardware-level research.
• If you’re a fellow musician: We can talk about your favourite Paul Mealor arrangement, or why baritones are the superior voice group.

I’m always looking for fellow systems enthusiasts, potential research partners, or students who aren’t afraid of a little bit of assembly. Let’s build something secure—or at least figure out exactly how it’s vulnerable.