Ivandro Peterson Alves Rodrigues

Ivandro Peterson Alves Rodrigues is an engineer and civil servant in Angola. Most recently, Rodrigues served as the Head of the Department of Support to the General Director at the Angolan National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN), where he oversaw and optimized all administrative, logistical, and strategic support functions that empowered the General Manager's decision-making and ensure the efficient operation of the Angolan National Space Program, contributing to the successful implementation of the Angolan Space Strategy 2016-2025, the launch of ANGOSAT-2 communication satellite, and the earth Observation Program. Prior to GGPEN, Rodrigues served as the Head of the Electrical Engineering Department at Methodist University, responsible for departmental oversight, strategic faculty hiring, the establishment and renovation of laboratories, and driving improvements in both student cohorts and research performance. 

Rodrigues holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering (Telecommunication) from Tshwane University of Technology and a dual Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Telecommunication) from Ecole Supérieure d'Ingénieurs en Electrotechnique et Electronique (ESIEE) in France and Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa. 

At MIT, Rodrigues intends to significantly advance skills, knowledge, leadership, and networks in technology policy and management. Through academic coursework, research, and internships, Rodrigues plans to acquire the expertise needed to propel Angola's National Space Program, particularly in utilizing communication satellites for remote connectivity and developing space applications for sustainable development.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs under the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program.