PhD Candidate

I am currently a Zoology doctoral candidate in the CLIME lab at Stellenbosch University. I obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Entomology from the University of Pretoria, where my research focused on the physiology and ecology of true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in South Africa. My PhD research is focused on improving the thermal performance curve framework to better predict how insects will respond to climate change. To do this I am using the Asian Ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) as a model insect. My general research interests lie in exploring the interactions between insect behaviour, ecology, and physiology in an effort to better understand how insects interact with the world.

I am passionate about teaching, science communication and encouraging the public to discover the wonder of the insect world. I spend my free time reading, playing board games with friends, and trying my hand at photography.