I am currently a Doctoral candidate in the Microbiology Division of the Department Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology at the University of Pretoria. My research project focuses on the nitrogen-fixing symbionts of legume plants (i.e., rhizobia) and more specifically soybean (Glycine max), as such my study falls within the scope of the Grain Research Programme at FABI. I am identifying and characterizing those rhizobia found in effective soybean nodules in South African fields by means of molecular analyses. I hope to provide a clearer picture of the rhizobial diversity associated with this introduced legume crop in the field.
I also completed my master’s degree in medical microbiology at the University of Pretoria. My MSc project focused on Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in South African hospitals.
Nickles GR, Stokes CK, Narh DL, Lynn KMT, Fuqua SR, Bryan C, Allen BM, Bivins CP, Bok JW, Brewer JS, Buthelezi ST, Clark JPRM, Coon KL, Corby LR, Coetzee MPA, Dewing C, Duong TA, Harris MA, Keller NP, Kopotsa K, Lane FA, Nichols HL, Nieuwoudt A, Nuñez MA, Medina Munoz ME, Park SC, Pham NQ, Ryan KT, Solís M, Vilgalys R, Wallace JM, Wang YW, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, Worley TK, Zallek TA, Zamanian M, Hoeksma JD, Drott M, Pringle A. (2026) Equipped for success: Genomes and metabolites of the European Amanita muscaria are conserved in its novel South African range. New Phytologist 10.1111/nph.71064
Francina L. Bopape, Chrizelle W. Beukes, Kopotsa Katlego, Ahmed I. Hassen, Emma T. Steenkamp, Eastonce T. Gwata . (2022) Symbiotic Performance and Characterization of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) Rhizobia Occurring in South African Soils. Agriculture