My Bsc Biotechnology degree was obtained at the University of the Western Cape in 2005. My post graduate studies (BSc Hons and MSc in Wine biotechnology) were completed at Stellenbosch University. My MSc was on the analysis of possible fungal resistance phenotype in transgenic tobacco plants over-expressing the native cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase gene. The key study area was Grapevine biotechnology focusing on disease resistance. I pursued my Phd at the University of Cape Town in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology from 2012 to 2017. My Phd was on the development of a candidate vaccine for Rift valley fever virus as well as diagnostic reagent in plants.

I am currently registered as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at UCT. My research projects focus on the development of commercially viable vaccine candidates and diagnostic reagents for animals and humans, using plants as an expression system.