Biography

Positive and energetic attitude with a passion for biological studies. One of the few scientists trained in capturing and identifying bat species in Africa. Skilled in biodiversity assessments and freshwater surveys. Experienced in managing and funding various projects relating to biodiversity and environmental assessments. Experience also spanned throughout the agricultural sector working with local farmers to develop more sustainable practices. Directly involved in the public health sector working closely with zoonotic diseases in collaboration with the University of Pretoria (Centre for Viral Zoonoses) and Lancet Laboratories as a member of the fieldwork team collecting samples and meaningful data for further analyses. Filled various educational instructor roles in both a treasury and secondary education capacity. Collaborated with both local and international multidisciplinary teams towards sustainable goals in South Africa.

Discipline/s

Zoology

Entomology

Ecology/Wildlife Management

Research description

I have spent 4 years researching bat population ecology in Limpopo and Gauteng Province. I investigated the temporal variation in relative abundance, activity, and body condition of bat assemblages and how it relates to regional rainfall and temperature variations. These changes can assist monitoring programs by detecting major decreases in body conditions and abundance for species or age groups at risk and can act as early warning detection systems for population depressions. This project was also associated with monitoring bat and rodent associated diseases by working closely with the Centre for Viral Zoonoses at the University of Pretoria.

Currently, I am assisting the UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC) as a mentee to collect mosquitoes in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The study involves mosquito-borne vector epidemiology with a further molecular assessment of species, Plasmodium and arboviral occurrence in vectors. Monitoring mosquito populations is especially important for developing management programs to reduce the probability of infection in potentially high-risk areas associated with Malaria outbreaks. I find working in medical entomology highly rewarding and consider it a great opportunity for my future career as a scientist.

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