I earned my forestry diploma from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in George, Western Cape. Currently, I contribute my skills to the FABI Biocontrol Facility, where I have been actively involved in various projects within the forestry and grain sectors—two crucial pillars of South Africa's agricultural landscape. My responsibilities have included monitoring the effectiveness of forest biological control agents for the Blue gum chalcid, Leptocybe invasa, in addition to other significant Eucalyptus pests. This work plays a vital role in the National Monitoring Scheme programme, where I contribute to preserving the health and vitality of our forests.

Furthermore, I play a key role in rearing three economically important Lepidopteran maize pests: the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), the Maize Stalk Borer (Busseola fusca), and the Spotted Stem Borer (Chilo partellus). My involvement in this project is essential for both nationwide pest monitoring and establishing rearing colonies of these pests to be used as part of ongoing Bt resistance screening trials at our facility.

I am proud to be part of a team dedicated to driving innovation, conservation, and sustainability in both the forestry and grain sectors!