I am a honours student that is passionate about genetics and the inner workings of organisms. My research project for the year is 'Population genetics and mating type study for Pseudocercospora, the causal agent of a spot and rot disease on kiwifruit in South Africa'. I am excited to work on this project with my supervisor Prof Irene Barnes and co-supervisors Cheyenne Theron and Dr Firehiwot Eshetu. I am grateful to contribute to real world problems and to be able to expand my knowledge further.