I completed my BSc and BSc Honours degrees in Zoology and Entomology at the University of the Free State, followed by an MSc in Entomology at Stellenbosch University. My MSc research evaluated indigenous entomopathogenic fungi as biological control agents of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella, under laboratory and glasshouse conditions. 

I am currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria, based at Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP) under the supervision of Dr Honest Machekano and co-supervision of Dr Phophi Nethononda, Dr Ndivhuwo Ramatsitsi and Dr Nomthi Kanyile.

My doctoral research focuses on the sustainable management of the Phthorimaea pest complex affecting potato and tomato production in South Africa. The project investigates the use of indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria as biological control agents, while also exploring insecticide susceptibility, farmer management practices, and insect microbiomes to support integrated pest management programmes. 

My research interests include biological control, insect-pathogen interactions, integrated pest management, insecticide resistance, microbial ecology, and sustainable crop protection.