I am an MSc student within the Eucalyptus and Pine Pathogen Interactions (EPPI) group under
the supervision of Dr. Erik Visser and Prof. Sanushka Naidoo. My research focusses on the
development of a highly sensitive and specific frost tolerance assay in pine trees with a view to
determining the genetic architecture governing frost tolerance in pines. I grew up in Northern
Limpopo in a small town bordered by a massive pine plantation, so this MSc project is
particularly exciting for me, despite my BSc Human Genetics background, where I majored in
Genetics and Human Physiology. Forest trees are under threat by abiotic and biotic stresses
and I am keen to understand some of this stress biology and contribute to yield protection in the
forestry industry.