I am currently an intern at FABI, enrolled in the Internship Programme in Phytosanitation and Biosecurity under the Centre of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology . I bring enthusiasm and a strong foundation in agricultural sciences following the completion of my BSc Agric Plant Production degree at the University of Venda.

My undergraduate research explored the effect of plant population density on the growth and yield of two chickpea genotypes, an investigation that not only honed my experimental design and data analysis skills but also sparked a deeper interest in crop science and plant pathology. This experience exposed me to the intricate relationships between agronomic practices and plant performance, and ignited my curiosity about the broader challenges facing agricultural systems, particularly those related to plant health and biosecurity.

Through the CPHB internship programme, I am eager to expand my knowledge of phytosanitary measures, plant disease management, and biosecurity protocols while developing advanced technical skills under the guidance of FABI's experienced supervisors. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research in plant health biotechnology and to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects that address critical issues in agricultural biosecurity. The institute's collaborative and innovative environment provides an ideal setting for professional growth, and I look forward to learning from multidisciplinary teams working at the forefront of plant pathology research.