My journey at FABI started in 2023 when I took part in the CPHB (DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology) mentorship program during my final year of my BSc in biochemistry and microbiology. Under the mentorship of Alida van Dijk, my passion for cellular and molecular biology was confirmed and cultivated, which inspired my further studies in microbiology.

Under the supervision of Professor Brenda D. Wingfield and co-supervision of Professor Emma T. Steenkamp, my research focuses on understanding the peculiar cell wall composition of species in the Ophiostomatales order. This area of research has allowed me to develop a variety of mycological and molecular skills and techniques, as my project includes analysing and visualising the cell wall components of the fungi, phylogenetic analysis of the genes responsible and functional characterisation of these genes using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome editing – developed for the first time in the Ophiostoma genus. Since many of the species in this order are pathogens of plants, humans and animals, understanding the cell wall composition is imperative for understanding aspects of their pathogenicity and could help us develop efficient management strategies.