I completed my BSc undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences in 2021 at North-West University (NWU). In 2022, I joined the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria as an honours student. My honours project focused on investigating the effectiveness of registered fungicides and two unregistered fungicide products against the causal agents of macadamia husk rot disease. This project was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Gerda Fourie, the head of the Macadamia Protection Program (MPP).
In 2023, I had the privilege of completing an internship in Phytosanitation and Biosecurity with FABI. During my internship, I continued my involvement with the Macadamia Protection Program, where I assisted in the operations of the Macadamia Diagnostic Clinic—a service provided to macadamia growers registered with the Southern African Macadamia Association (SAMAC). Additionally, I contributed to the rearing of a stink bug colony (Bathycoelia distincta), a macadamia nursery pest and disease survey, and a CropWatch beetle survey aimed at understanding beetle populations in macadamia orchards and their potential threats.
My passion for helping people, bringing smiles to their faces, and making a meaningful difference has always driven me. After completing my honours and internship training, I knew I had found my calling. These experiences solidified my interest in microbiology and sparked a newfound love for plant pathology. I am motivated by the opportunity to use research-based techniques to contribute to the implementation of effective and sustainable management strategies for plant pathogens that cause significant agricultural losses.
In 2024, I enrolled for an MSc within the MPP under the supervision of Dr. Gerda Fourie and co-supervision of Prof. Noelani Van Den Berg. My current research focuses on developing molecular markers for the detection of Colletotrichum spp. and Diaporthe spp., the dominant pathogens responsible for macadamia husk rot disease. Furthermore, I am investigating the effectiveness of two management strategies: fungicide active ingredients and biological control agents, against these pathogens as well as Calonectria spp., an emerging pathogen also associated with husk rot.