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Dackson Masiyano

Senior Lecturer, Physics and Electronics https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8860-8892

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals


Brief profile


  • Dr. Dackson Masiyano joined the Department of Physics and Electronics at the University of Malawi as a Senior Lecturer in August 2024. Before joining academia, he spent over 10 years in research and development (R&D) roles within industry, where he worked on the design, prototyping, and deployment of electro-optical systems for real-world applications. His research and professional interests span Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), embedded systems, and remote sensing, ... Read more

Research fields of focus

Research Area: AI-Driven Prediction of Effective Maize Planting Rains for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Malawi Active project-Pilot funded by CRAFS Summary: This research focuses on developing and validating Artificial Intelligence (AI) models to predict the onset and reliability of effective planting rains for maize in Malawi. The work combines satellite and ground-based rainfall data through machine learning (LSTM, CNN, and ensemble models) to capture complex spatio-temporal rainfall patterns influenced by local topography, convective systems, and Lake Malawi effects. By defining planting rains dynamically based on agronomic thresholds and farmer observations, the study aims to generate ward-level planting advisories that reduce false starts and improve crop establishment. The approach bridges data science, meteorology, and agronomy to support localized decision-making and strengthen national early warning systems through partnerships with DCCMS, NASFAM, and CRAFS.

Education/Academic Qualification


  • Cranfield University

  • Qualification
    PhD (Engineering Photonics Group)
  • Start year - Award year
    2005 - 2008
  • Address
    Cranfield, England, GB

  • Anglia Ruskin University

  • Qualification
    Electronics with Physics (1st class Hons) (Electronics)
  • Start year - Award year
    2003 - 2005
  • Address
    Cambridge, England, GB

  • University of Malawi

  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Education Science (Physics and Electronics)
  • Start year - Award year
    1993 - 1997
  • Address
    Zomba, Southern Region, MW

Undergraduate courses


  • ELE311 - Analogue Electronics and Systems
  • ELE411 - Advanced Analogue Electronics
  • ELE323 - Digital Electronics
  • ELE421 - Advanced Digital Communication Techniques
  • ELE426 - Research Project
  • ELE316 - Practical/Research Project in Linear Integrated Circuits
Filters for Research Outputs
Sustainable Development Goals
Type
Publication Year

2018

In-situ pathlength calibration of integrating spheres used in measurement of absorbance

Author(s) : Nicholas M. Davis, Stephen E....

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2018, doi: 10.1117/12.2306655

Absorbance Materials science Computer science Physics Engineering

2015

A mechanically stable laser diode speckle interferometer for surface contouring and displacement measurement

Author(s) : Daniel Francis, Dackson Masiyano, Jane...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2015, doi: 10.1088/0957-0233/26/5/055402

Laser diode Holographic interferometry Materials science Optoelectronics Physics

Real-Time Phase-Only Spatial Light Modulators for 2D Holographic Display

Author(s) : N. Collings, J. L. Christmas,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2015, doi: 10.1109/jdt.2014.2384913

Modulation (music) Holographic display Spatial light modulator Spatial frequency Computer science

Holographic Automotive Head Up Displays

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2015, doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4542.9607

2013

Using integrating spheres with wavelength modulation spectroscopy: effect of pathlength distribution on 2nd harmonic signals

Author(s) : J. Hodgkinson, D. Masiyano, R....

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2013, doi: 10.1007/s00340-012-5166-7

Modulation (music) Harmonic Materials science Physics Acoustics

Lasers for phase only Holographic projection and head up display applications

Author(s) : D. Masiyano, N. Collings, J....

Research output : conference-paper

Publication Year: 2013, doi: 10.1109/hpd.2013.6706598

Holographic display Projection plane 3D projection Computer-Generated Holography Image plane

2010

Gas cells for tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy employing optical diffusers. Part 1: single and dual pass cells

Author(s) : J. Hodgkinson, D. Masiyano, R....

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2010, doi: 10.1007/s00340-010-4020-z

Absorbance Materials science Optoelectronics Physics Interference (communication)

Gas cells for tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy employing optical diffusers. Part 2: Integrating spheres

Author(s) : D. Masiyano, J. Hodgkinson, R....

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2010, doi: 10.1007/s00340-010-4021-y

Speckle noise Materials science Physics Speckle pattern Optics

2009

Self-mixing interference effects in tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

Author(s) : D. Masiyano, J. Hodgkinson, S....

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2009, doi: 10.1007/s00340-009-3690-x

Optical path Modulation (music) Materials science Optoelectronics Physics

Using integrating spheres as absorption cells: path-length distribution and application of Beer's law

Author(s) : Jane Hodgkinson, Dackson Masiyano, Ralph...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2009, doi: 10.1364/ao.48.005748

Optical path Optical path length Path length Beer–Lambert law Materials science

2008

Use of diffuse reflections in tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy: implications of laser speckle for gas absorption measurements

Author(s) : D. Masiyano, J. Hodgkinson, R.P....

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2008, doi: 10.1007/s00340-007-2896-z

Materials science Computer science Optoelectronics Physics Interference (communication)

2007

Methodology for investigation of diffuse reflections in tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

Author(s) : D Masiyano, J Hodgkinson, R...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2007, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/76/1/012052

Modulation (music) Materials science Computer science Optoelectronics Physics

Awards

Professional Services

  • Cranfield University

  • Role
    International President
  • Years active
    2025 - N/A
  • Location
    Cranfield, England, GB

Funding and grants acquired

No funding information available
Filters for projects
Fields of study
Project type

Showing 1 project results

Project Image
Status: ONGOING

Maize planting rains

 People involved: Dackson Masiyano (Principal investigator)
Period: 2025-11-01 to 2027-01-31

Employment and positions held

  • senior lecturer

    University of Malawi — department of Physics and Electronic
  • 2024-08 - Present
  • Zomba, Southern Region, MW

Professional Activities

No invited positions available