I joined FABI in 2021 during my BSc Hons Microbiology degree under the supervision of Professor Emma T. Steenkamp and co-supervision of Professor Brenda D. Wingfield, after completing a dual major BSc Genetics and Microbiology undergraduate degree in 2020. My honours research, conducted within the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology (CPHB) and the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP), focused on developing a CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene knockout system to functionally characterize virulence genes in Fusarium circinatum. 

For my MSc in Microbiology, I expanded on my CRISPR work and successfully integrated a CRISPR-Cas13 transcript editing system in Fusarium circinatum—the first report of this system in a filamentous fungus. This achievement demonstrated the feasibility of RNA-targeting CRISPR applications in fungal research and provided a foundation for future transcriptome engineering approaches.

For my PhD, my research focuses on optimizing genetic transformation systems and developing novel molecular diagnostics for F. circinatum. This includes the development of a marker-free selection system using PyrG to improve genetic transformation efficiency, as well as a comparative analysis of CRISPR-Cas9 and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation methods in F. circinatum. Additionally, I am exploring the application of a CRISPR-Cas13 system as an in-field molecular diagnostic tool, aiming to improve rapid and accurate detection of this pathogen.

My work contributes to advancing fungal genetic engineering methodologies and enhancing disease management strategies in forestry through improved diagnostic technologies