I joined the University of Pretoria in 2019 and completed my degree in BSc Biotechnology (majoring in Genetics) with distinction while acting as the class representative for numerous modules from my first year through to my final year. I completed my Honours degree in Genetics in 2022 with distinction while also being part of the NATHouse Executive committee.

Currently, I am busy with my Masters degree in Genetics. My first chapter is a literature review about gene functionalization for the purpose of genetic-based methods of control of insects. My second chapter is the heterologous expression of Sirex noctilio odorant receptors in Drosophila melanogaster in order to determine the ligands which are detected by the different odorant receptors of Sirex noctilio using electroantennogram detection (EAD). My third and final chapter is about developing an in vivo CRISPR digestion assay for the Sirex noctilio odorant receptors which are expressed in Drosophila melanogaster in order to show cleavage of these genes will disrupt the sensitivity and response of these genes to their ligands to provide possible control targets.

I am still deciding in which field I should further my career in genetics in but at the moment I greatly enjoy the field of molecular genetics.

I am currently a member of the FABI Social club and am also the leader of one of the groups within the social club.