Prospective Students
We have a dynamic and growing group working on basic ecology, modelling, monitoring, and risk analysis. E-mail me to discuss post-graduate projects.
Post-Docs and Postgraduates
Post-Docs
PhD
MSc
- Laura Fernandez Winzer (pending lifting of COVID restrictions)
- Diana Rodriguez Cala “Understanding the influence of the ornamental sector on plant invasions in Southern Africa” Coventry University (co-supervisor)
- Dewidine Van der Colff “Invasive plant species in South Africa and their impacts on threatened native plant species” Stellenbosch University (main supervisor)
- Takalani Nelufule “Defining, determining, and reporting on the potential consequences of moving native biodiversity within South Africa in terms of biological invasions” University of Pretoria (co-supervisor)
- Tumeka Mbobo "Drivers of fleshy-fruited plant invasions: insights from Myrtaceae" Stellenbosch University (main supervisor)
- Yitbarek Tibebe “Trees for climate change and agroforestry: towards sustainable planting strategies in Africa” Coventry University (co-supervisor)
- Chelsey Matthys “Where are they now? Developing a protocol to declare alien species absent from a region” Cape Peninsula University of Technology (co-supervisor)
- Veronica Magagula "Non-native mycorrhizal fungi from the Western Cape Province" University of the Free State (co-supervisor)
Alumni
Post-Docs
PhD
MSc
Hons
- Arunava Datta (Post-doc, 2019–2020) "Invasion risk assessment of sterile and hybrid cultivars" Stellenbosch University
- Katelyn Faulkner (Post-doc, 2015–2019) “Identifying global priorities for the prevention of biological invasions”
- Ana Novoa (Post-doc, 2013–2017) “Cactaceae invasions in South Africa” Stellenbosch University
- Vernon Visser (Post-doc, 2013-2015) “Grass invasions in South Africa”
- Charlene Janion-Scheepers (Post-doc, 2013) “Earthworm invasions”
- Di Spear (Post-doc, 2012) “Problems, challenges, and solutions in the development of lists of introduced species”
- Sjirk Geerts (Post-doc, 2011-2012) “Reproductive ecology and demography of incipient plant invaders”
- Davina L. Saccaggi (PhD, 2021) " Mechanisms and determinants of transport and establishment in terrestrial arthropods" Stellenbosch University (co-supervisor)
- Ashlyn L. Padayachee (PhD, 2020) "Cities as Hotspots for Invasions: The Case of eThekwini Municipality" University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (co-supervisor)
- Susan Canavan (PhD, 2018) "Assessing the interaction between history of usage and plant invasions: bamboo as a case study" Stellenbosch University
- Clova Mabin (PhD, 2018) "Carcinus spp. in South Africa: Status, impacts and management" Stellenbosch University (co-supervisor)
- Desika Moodley (PhD, 2016) “Assessing the invasiveness of alien aroid climbers in South Africa using modelling techniques and ecological assessments” University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (co-supervisor)
- Katelyn Faulkner (PhD 2015) “Identifying high risk pathways and species to prevent biological invasions in South Africa” University of Pretoria (co-supervisor)
- Joice Ndlovu (PhD, 2013) (co-supervisor) “The invasion ecology of Acacia pycnantha: a genetic approach” Stellenbosch University
- Geneviève Thompson (PhD, 2012) (co-supervisor) “Molecular ecology of two invasive legumes (Acacia saligna and Paraserianthes lophantha)” Stellenbosch University
- Khensani Nkuna (2018). "Risk analysis of alien grasses occurring in South Africa" Stellenbosch University (co-supervisor)
- Takalani Nelufule (2018) "An assessment of alien terrestrial invertebrate species in the pet trade in South Africa" University of Pretoria (co-supervisor)
- Ludi Kern (2018) "Assessing the invasive status of Cryptostegia grandiflora and Cryptostegia madagascariensis and predicting potential high risk areas in southern Africa" University of Pretoria (co-supervisor)
- Nkoliso Magona (2018) "Determining the invasive status of Australian Acacia species in South Africa, and the potential for eradicating species with limited distributions" Stellenbosch University
- Phil McLean (2017) "Patterns and processes of alien plant invasions in small urban areas in South Africa: The Berg River Catchment as a case study” Stellenbosch University (co-supervisor)
- Llewellyn Jacobs (MSc, 2016) “An assessment of Melaleuca (Myrtaceae) as invasive species in South Africa” Stellenbosch University
- Philani Mbatha (MSc, 2016) “Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link) and gorse (Ulex europaeus L.) in South Africa: An assessment of invasiveness, management options and feasibility for countrywide eradication” University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Luke Potgieter (MSc, 2014) (co-supervisor) “Casuarina invasions: a multi-scale assessment of an important tree genus” Stellenbosch University
- Rethabile Motloung (MSc, 2014) (co-supervisor) “Understanding current and potential distribution of Australian Acacia species in southern Africa” University of Pretoria
- Desika Moodley (MSc, 2013) “Determinants of introduction and invasion success for Proteaceae” Stellenbosch University
- Jason Donaldson (MSc, 2013) (co-supervisor) “The invasion ecology of Australian Acacia species introduced as ornamental plants to South Africa, with special emphasis on A. elata” Stellenbosch University
- Dickson Mazibuko (MSc, 2012) (co-supervisor) “Phylogenetic relationships of Prosopis in South Africa: An assessment of the extent of hybridization, and the role of genome size and seed size in the invasion dynamics” Stellenbosch University
- Haylee Kaplan (MSc, 2012) “Assessing the invasiveness of Acacia stricta and Acacia implexa: is eradication an option?” Stellenbosch University
- Wafeeka Vardien (MSc, 2012) (co-supervisor) “Molecular ecology and invasive species management: unravelling the dynamics of Lantana camara invasions in Kruger National Park using a molecular approach” Stellenbosch University
- Llewellyn Jacobs (Hons, 2012) “Evaluating the invasiveness and feasibility of eradication for Melaleuca parvistaminea Byrnes (Myrtaceae) in South Africa” Stellenbosch University
- Pieter Botha (Hons, 2011) “Montpellier broom (Genista monspessulana) and Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) in South Africa: an assessment of current status and invasiveness” Stellenbosch University
- Dickson Mazibuko (Hons, 2009) “Seed bank dynamics and the role of mutualisms in the early-life ecology of emerging alien invasive plants: Acacia paradoxa in South Africa” Stellenbosch University
- Herbie van Zyl (Hons, 2009) “Acacia implexa in South Africa: an emerging invader and potential candidate for eradication” Stellenbosch University
- Rafael Zenni (Hons, 2008) “Evaluating invasiveness and eradication feasibility: a case study of the invasive alien plant Acacia paradoxa in South Africa” Stellenbosch University