Research Officer
Bioprocessing options for platinum group elements ores.
Integrated mineral technologies for more sustainable raw material supply.
Microbial analyses of flotation waters and minerals.
BIOX culture dynamics and performance.
Next generation sequencing and metagenomic analysis for mixed microbial communities involved in sulphur metabolism
My research interests focus on the involvement and influence of microbes on various aspects of industrially operated processes. By performing microbial community analyses and activity tests on samples from industrial biologically assisted metal recovery processes and performing fundamental experiments on these microorganisms we gain an understanding of the health of these microbiological systems. This allows us to advise operating conditions for improved performance. Further research focusses on the influence of microbes on the environment and non-biologically catalysed industrial processes. I also actively research biological methods of waste treatment for value recovery including the removal of pathogens and remediation of metals from wastes and waste waters to allow the safe repurposing of these.
Current Supervision Doctorate 4
Graduated Supervision Doctorate n/a
Current Supervision Masters 6
Graduated Supervision Masters 5
In refereed Journals 8
In refereed Books 1
In refereed Conference Proceedings 3
Presented at International Conferences 7
Technical Reports 4
Patents n/a
Professional History
Oct 2018– present Research Officer, Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, University of Cape Town
Jan – Sept 2018 Principle Technical Officer, Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, University of Cape Town
2014 – 2017 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, University of Cape Town
2011 – 2013 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute for Metagenomics and Microbial Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape
Aug – Sept 2012
Visiting lecturer Rhodes University, Department of Botany and Zoology, Teaching of ‘Plant Metabolism’ module
Jan – June 2009 Scientific Officer, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Introduction to Microbiology course
June – July 2000 Research Assistant, Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch
Awards
2020 Building Research Active Academic Staff Award, University of Cape Town
2019 Research Development Grant, University of Cape Town
2012 NRF Scarce Skills Postdoctoral Scholarship
2007 NRF Scarce Skills Doctoral Scholarship
2003 NRF Prestigious Masters Scholarship
Qualifications
2012 PhD Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town
2004 MSc Plant Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch
2002 BSc Honours Plant Biotechnology (Cum laude), University of Stellenbosch
2001 BSc Plant Biotechnology, University of Stellenbosch
