PhD Biochemistry, University of Pretoria UP Postdoctoral Fellow   Office: 3-12.1, Zoology Building Phone: +27 (0)12 420-2533 Email: [email protected] Researcher ID: C-3222-2017

Detoxification, nutritional regulation and sexual conflict in honeybees

After specialising in chemistry as an undergraduate, I pursued a postgraduate career in biochemistry specialising in analytical biochemistry with a focus on plant secondary metabolites. During my doctoral studies, I was introduced to honeybee research and the interaction of bees with secondary plant metabolites, as well as pesticides present in pollen, nectar and their immediate environment. Since then, my research expanded to include the fields of detoxification, metabolism and nutrition (including digestive biochemistry and physiology) not only in bees, but also in other agricultural and economically important insects such as small hive beetles and fruit flies. 

Currently, my research is focussed on shedding more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual conflict and post-mating changes in honeybees by identifying the molecular-level mediators present in the reproductive fluids of drones and queens.

Publications

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