Get to know the members of ORSSA: Klara Engelbrecht

In this edition of Get to Know the Members of ORSSA, we introduce one of the newest members of the Executive Committee, Klara Engelbrecht, who has taken on the role of Head of Events. In this short interview, we learn more about Klara, her interests, and what she is looking forward to in the field of OR.

Klara, what is your academic and professional background?

"I studied a BCom Mathematical Sciences, with a focus on Operations Research, at Stellenbosch University (2021–2023). After that I completed a BComHons in Operations Research at Stellenbosch University (2024). I am currently enrolled for an MCom in Operations Research at Stellenbosch University (2025–present)."

How (and when) did you first get involved with ORSSA?

"ORSSA was introduced to my Honours class in 2024. The society organised social events where our class had the opportunity to meet other members of ORSSA.

In 2025, I was asked to write two blog posts for the ORSSA website about events I attended related to Operations Research. This was the first time I contributed to the society, which made me excited to become more involved."

What position do you hold on Exec and for how long have you had this position?

"I currently hold the position of Head of Events. I started in this role in January 2026."

Tell us a bit more about what your role includes on the Exec.

"My role involves taking the initiative to organise a variety of events, including social gatherings, online talks from industry professionals or academic researchers, and potentially hackathon-style events. The aim is to provide opportunities for ORSSA members to connect with one another and learn more about each other's work."

Have you had any other positions on the Exec of ORSSA (and if so, when)?

"No, this is my first position on the ORSSA Executive Committee."

What do you feel is the biggest benefit of being a member of ORSSA?

"The community is the biggest benefit. I find it inspiring to connect with other people who are passionate about Operations Research, and that enthusiasm often inspires me as well."

What excites you about the field of OR?

"What excites me most about Operations Research is the vast range of applications it has. So far, most of my experience has been within healthcare systems, but even within that space the problems and approaches are already incredibly diverse. I find it fascinating how the same analytical tools can be applied across completely different industries, and I am excited to explore how OR is used in other fields as well."

What OR technique do you find yourself using the most and why?

"Mixed Integer Programming (MIP). I enjoy thinking about decision problems in terms of variables and constraints, and I often find myself informally framing real-world situations as small optimisation puzzles in my head."

What skills do you think OR students should focus on developing today?

"I think one of the most important skills is the ability to communicate the value of Operations Research to industries that may not yet be familiar with it. Many organisations face complex problems that could benefit from OR methods, but they may not realise that these tools exist or how they could be applied. Being able to clearly explain what OR can contribute helps open the door for collaborations and real-world projects."