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I am the Assistant Director: Natural Science, but I have a background in entomology, making this my research focus. After completing my PhD I was Head of Department of Entomology and Arachnology at the Albany Museum, Grahamstown, before moving to the KwaZulu-Natal Museum in 2017. As well as overseeing the functioning of the department, I am involved in several research projects, both with local and international collaborators.
I have an interest in juvenile insects, taxonomy and ecology. Currently my research focusses on various aspects of hover fly biology, ecology, systematics and taxonomy.
I have joined the international PINDIP project, working on pollinating flies in South Africa, particularly in the eastern region (Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces). The project focusses on making data available for decision makers (conservation organisations, politicians etc.).
Linked to this project is the DIPoDIP project, a collaboration between the KZN Museum, UKZN, Stellenbosch University and the AfricaMuseum in Belgium. This project focusses on expanding our knowledge of the biology and distributions of South African pollinating flies, to better understand their functions in the ecosystem and enhance conservation efforts.
Both of these projects, as well as the DIPTATEACH project have significant training components, expanding the knowledge of Afrotropical Diptera by running courses for emerging African entomologists in Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania.
In addition to these courses, I supervise postgraduates at various South African universities.
Qualifications
PhD Rhodes University
