Pankaj Nagpal Member Spotlight - Association for Information Systems (AIS)

Grant Oosterwyk | Member Spotlight

Grant Oosterwyk

Lecturer

University of Cape Town, South Africa

Grant Oosterwyk is a Senior Lecturer and final-year PhD candidate in Information Systems (IS) at the University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. He holds a master’s degree in IS. His research explores emerging technologies and their impact on organisations and communities. His research has been published in MISQ Executive and at top IS conferences (ICIS, ECIS, PACIS and AMCIS). Previously, Grant worked for over a decade in consulting and technical roles within the financial and ICT sectors. Serves as the President of AISSAC (Southern African Association of Information Systems Chapter), Co-lead Coordinator for MISQ Insider, Editorial Assistant at the Information Technology for Development journal and Senior Editor at the Information Systems Student Research Journal (ISSRJ) and had various roles in the AIS Doctoral Student College. He also reviews for various IS journals and conferences and serves as Associate Editor for ECIS and ICIS.

1. Why did you originally join AIS, and what has kept you involved?

It started with our local AISSAC Chapter and the AIS Doctoral Student College. I joined looking for community during my doctoral journey, and what I found was an opportunity to serve. The people I've met and worked with through AIS have genuinely kept me involved. There's something meaningful about contributing to a community that supports students and scholars at different stages. I joke that I spend more time on service than on actual research these days, but honestly, both are important.

2. What's a recent professional accomplishment you're proud of?

I was promoted to Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Town, effective January 2026. It's particularly meaningful because it happened while I was still finishing my PhD, which feels like recognition that contributions to the field take many forms: teaching, service, and research all count. I also took the role of President of our AISSAC Chapter.

3. What's the best career advice you've ever received?

That you can't just keep doing things the same way and expect to grow. People assume that if they work hard in their established patterns, everything will fall into place. But if you stay in the same lane indefinitely, others will outgrow you. You need to periodically reassess your approach and be willing to adapt.

4. What's a hidden talent, interesting hobby, or fun fact you'd like to share about yourself?

I'm a father of two young boys, which keeps life interesting outside work. I'm also a huge professional boxing fan and still follow rugby closely as I played through high school and my first year at university. No hidden talents to speak of, unfortunately, just trying to keep up with my kids and stay current with the sport I love watching.

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