Dean is a postdoctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University (SU) in the Quantum Research Group under the supervision of Prof Francesco Petruccione. His research is on merging quantum and neuromorphic computing principles and paradigms for novel algorithms and
architectures. His research has historically evolved through astrophysics, theoretical physics, and open quantum systems.

Dean received his Bachelor of Science and Honours degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand, his Master’s from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and his Doctorate from SU.