Technical Assistant / Herbarium Coordinator - Herbarium, NWU - Potchefstroom, North-West
(2022-08)
- Maintained and curated herbarium records using BRAHMS, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and long-term data integrity for over [X] plant specimens.
- Oversaw mounting, identification, accessioning, and digitisation of herbarium specimens; ensured high-quality reference material for research and teaching purposes.
- Guided PLKS 211 students and grass identification courses, assisting with practical fieldwork, lab procedures, and ecological data analysis, fostering academic growth.
- Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures for specimen handling, processing, and cataloguing, improving operational efficiency and workflow consistency.
- Managed herbarium acquisitions, general administration, and liaison with academic staff, enhancing the functionality and visibility of the herbarium.
Technical Assistant to Prof. Nishanta Rajakaruna (Fulbright Scholar) - NWU
(2022-08 - 2023-07)
- Planned and led multiple field trips, coordinating logistics, health, and safety protocols for student and research teams.
- Performed high throughput pXRF scanning on herbarium specimens, generating critical data for ongoing phytoremediation and ecological research projects.
- Prepared specimens and managed database entries, ensuring data accuracy for publication and research dissemination.
Technical Assistant to Prof. Nishanta Rajakaruna (Fulbright Scholar) - NWU
(2024-07 - 2024-08)
Research Assistant - GYPWORLD Project (CSIC, Spain) - Madrid, Spain
(2023-05 - 2023-07)
- Assisted in herbarium administration, plant specimen cataloguing, and preparation for a multinational research initiative.
- Conducted fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and data processing to support ecological and Phyto stabilization research.
- Presented findings at the GYPWORLD conference in Madrid, contributing to international knowledge exchange and collaboration.
CNC Potchefstroom Coordinator, Project Manager - NWU
(2023 - 2025)
- Managed planning, budgeting, and execution of CNC events, workshops, and community engagement initiatives.
- Facilitated public participation, citizen science contributions, and increased biodiversity observation data through iNaturalist and other platforms.
- Organised educational events and award programs to inspire student and community involvement in ecological research.
Field Assistant - SAEON NRF - Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park
(2024 - 2025)
- Assisted with fieldwork in Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park, supporting student projects and international research collaborations.
- Contributed to vegetation surveys, habitat evaluation, soil sampling, and ecological monitoring, ensuring robust and high-quality data for scientific analysis.
