Spotlight: PhD Student Thandwa Dlamini - University of Pretoria & KwaZulu-Natal Museum, South Africa

My name is Thandwa Dlamini from the Kingdom of Eswatini, and I have been working at the University of Eswatini as a laboratory technician in the Crop Production Department, Entomology Laboratory. I have been involved in support teaching by demonstrating practical techniques essential for studying insects and for other modules, including microbiology, plant pathology, and weed management.

I have over 10 years of experience in the field of entomology, and I developed a huge passion for entomology from my undergraduate studies, which led me to pursue a career in the field. While working at the University of Eswatini, I have had the opportunity to work and collaborate with experts in entomology, gaining valuable research skills such as project planning and management, data analysis, writing, presenting, and teaching. I have developed a strong background in taxonomy, ecology, and applied research in entomology, helping students design and manage their research projects. I have worked on a study on the genetic diversity of stemborers in Eswatini and have published work in that regard.

I have an MSc in Entomology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. My MSc project studied the prospects for using entomopathogenic nematodes as a biocontrol agent against Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis, Thysanoptera: Thripidae). From this study, I gained in-depth skills in morphology, perfected my microscope skills, and learned the basics of molecular entomology. I also gained expertise in biological control, particularly the use of entomopathogenic nematodes in laboratory bioassays and field applications. I am proud to have been the first author of a published study from this research.

I have been selected as one of the recipients of the DIPoDIP 2 project scholarships to pursue a PhD in Entomology. My research will be titled Taxonomic Revision, Biogeography, and Distribution Modeling of the Hover Fly Genus Monoceromyia (Syrphidae, Eristalinae), and I will be supervised by Dr. John Midgley (KwaZulu-Natal Museum, South Africa), Prof. Catherine Sole (University of Pretoria, South Africa), and Dr. Kurt Jordaens (AfricaMuseum, Belgium).

This PhD project aims to revise the taxonomy of the Afrotropical representatives of the wasp-mimicking genus Monoceromyia. The taxonomic revision will serve as the foundation for further research in my PhD, focusing on the ecology, distribution, and systematics of Monoceromyia. The project offers an opportunity to become a well-trained entomologist in various areas of entomology, including taxonomy, molecular entomology, phylogenetics, and species distribution modeling.

I am grateful for this life-changing career opportunity granted by the DIPoDIP project to further my PhD studies. This will allow me to expand my scientific knowledge and showcase my passion for research in entomology. I hope to contribute significantly to the success of this project and be part of the team of young entomologists trained to identify Afrotropical Diptera. My greatest desire is to mentor future generations of entomologists in Eswatini and beyond and contribute to the field by conducting impactful research.

First published in the PINDIP Newsletter on 31 March 2025. Sign up for the PINDIP newsletter at https://www.pindip.org/