My primary research interests are bacterial evolution, systematics and diversity. I am specifically interested in how knowledge of these aspects of bacteriology can be applied to answer specific research questions related to the functioning of bacteria and bacterial communities in different environments. During the past few years my research group have focused mainly on the use of molecular, sequencing and genomics approaches when addressing these questions and the two main focus areas are bacteria associated with plants and aquatic environments.

My own research group focuses on applied bacterial genomics. We currently have numerous genomes available (one or more genome representing nearly all the species of Pantoea, Mixta, Paraburkholderia and Caballeronia). Most of these genomes have been sequenced in-house or in caollaboration with the JGI. Our comparative and evolutionary studies is currently focused on how this genomic data could be used for the delineation of species.

My experience in the area of systematics has initially focused  on the genus Pantoea which contains both clinical, plant pathogenic and natural environmental isolates.  Based on the phylogenetic evaluation (MLSA) of various plant pathogenic genera within the Enterobacteriaceae (together with various international collaborators) we have described 14 new species, established 3 new genera and revised the taxonomy of several species.

In a joint Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology project with Prof Emma Steenkamp, I am currently focusing on the descriptions of a large collection of nitrogen fixing Paraburkholderia strains isolated from indigenous papilionoid legume species by providing the taxonomic expertise. We have also been able to show that the symbiotic abilities of these undescribed species have unique African ancestries.