Shared joy and accomplishment marked the graduation of husband and wife Dr Ramesh Behara and Dr Kavita Behara, who were awarded their PhDs in Engineering at UKZN’s 2025 Spring Graduation ceremony.
The couple were both in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science – Ramesh in Electrical Engineering and Kavita in Computer Engineering.
After 23 years of marriage, the Beharas stood side-by-side on the graduation stage, not just as life partners but as academic peers who had weathered the challenge of doctoral study together. “It feels truly special to be graduating together,” said Ramesh. “This milestone is more than personal success, it reflects our shared journey, the challenges we’ve overcome and the inspiration we’ve drawn from one another.”
Kavita echoed his sentiment: “Graduating alongside my husband makes this achievement even more meaningful. We’ve supported each other through the challenges and celebrated the milestones along the way. Sharing this moment together feels like a double victory.”
Ramesh’s PhD, supervised by Professor Akshay Saha, focused on renewable energy systems. His thesis, titled: ‘Optimised Hybrid Models for Grid-Integrated DFIG Wind Power Generation’, developed an optimised hybrid model to address the challenges in integrating data augmentation, fault diagnosis and predictive control models tailored for grid-connected DFIG (doubly fed induction generator) wind energy systems under dynamic wind conditions.
His research demonstrated the viability of deploying end-to-end hybrid models in real-time wind farm applications, ensuring fault tolerance, predictive adaptability and enhanced grid stability.
Explaining the significance of his research, Ramesh said: “My work supports the global transition to cleaner energy by enabling smarter, more reliable and more sustainable use of wind power within modern power grids.”
Employed by Mondi Group as an Electrical Engineer, and with over 35 years of professional experience, he plans to contribute further to renewable energy innovation, combining artificial intelligence (AI) with clean technology solutions.
Kavita’s research, supervised by Dr Ernest Bhero and Professor John Agee, tackled a completely different but equally impactful challenge, namely, healthcare access. Her thesis: ‘Optimising Deep Learning Algorithms for Improved Skin Cancer Classification and Detection’, introduced AI-based hybrid innovative models that significantly advanced diagnostic accuracy, interpretability and inclusivity in melanoma care.
“I developed a computer system that can analyse images of skin lesions to help doctors decide whether they’re likely cancerous,” Kavita explained. “This matters because early detection greatly improves survival rates, especially in communities with limited access to dermatologists.”
Her work, described as a pioneering contribution to medical AI, not only enhances skin cancer diagnostics but also champions fairness and trust in healthcare technologies. “The significance lies in its potential to save lives,” she said. “My research shows how technology can support – not replace – doctors, helping them reach more patients in need.”
Both Ramesh and Kavita were drawn to UKZN for its research excellence and supportive academic environment.
“I chose UKZN because of its strong reputation in research and innovation,” said Kavita, who currently works at Mangosuthu University of Technology as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering. “UKZN offers excellent resources, experienced supervisors and a culture that encourages impactful, community-relevant research.”
Ramesh was similarly inspired by UKZN’s focus on real-world challenges: “The University provided an opportunity to pursue research that is both academically rigorous and impactful, with a focus on advancing the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.”
Beyond their academic partnership, the Beharas are proud parents to two children, Shriya and Shreyansh, both currently pursuing MBChB degrees at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). “This journey serves as an inspiration for our children to stay updated with technology and continually grow their skills to support society,” said Ramesh.
Kavita added: “My husband has been my greatest source of strength. His encouragement made the journey lighter and more rewarding. Our children’s love and patience inspired me to keep going.”
Now that they’ve crossed the PhD finish line, both Ramesh and Kavita are focused on future contributions to their fields, to students and to society.
“I plan to apply AI to optimise clean technologies and contribute to industry and academia,” Ramesh said. “Mentoring the next generation of energy professionals is equally important to me.”
Kavita’s goals lie at the intersection of AI and healthcare: “I want to continue developing practical solutions that can be implemented in real-world clinical settings, and also mentor aspiring researchers in this field.
“I feel blessed to have shared this journey with my husband,” said Kavita. “It made the challenges easier and the successes so much sweeter.”
For Ramesh, the shared achievement is not just a culmination, but a beginning: “It’s a proud and joyful celebration of partnership, growth and mutual support; and a stepping stone to what we will build and give back next.”
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini