Priya Maharaj

Professional Entomologist with 15+ years of combined experience in research, technical fieldwork, project coordination, pest management, laboratory and greenhouse trials, stakeholder engagement and operational support. Qualified with a BSc Honours and BSc in Entomology, with extensive experience in the agricultural sector and practical experience supporting the needs of farmers, industry stakeholders and clients. Strong background in research project coordination, technical investigation, field monitoring, data collection, problem-solving and implementation of research activities.

Experienced in working across laboratory, greenhouse, field and collection environments, with additional experience in administration, health and safety, customer service and small-business management. Adaptable and detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently or collaboratively and apply scientific and technical knowledge to practical agricultural challenges.

Research Technician: Entomology at AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC) (2025-01 – Present)

• Coordinate and contribute to research activities focused on the African citrus triozid (ACT) in collaboration with Citrus Research International and ARC Tropical and Subtropical Crops.
• Conduct field-based monitoring and surveillance of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) across citrus-growing regions.
• Implement trapping and monitoring activities for Dacus and Ceratitis fruit flies.
• Support aphid integrated pest management activities within the potato industry.
• Provide insect identification and diagnostic support to clients.
• Support management, accessioning and digitisation of the entomology collection at the South African National Collection of Insects (SANC).
• Conduct specimen sorting, mounting, labelling and identification.
• Perform collection pest checks and support specimen re-mounting and fumigation.
• Work across field, laboratory and collection environments while maintaining attention to accurate technical procedures and documentation.

Junior Researcher: Entomology at AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (ARC) (2011-01 – 2016-04)

• Initiated, planned and managed research projects addressing pest-management challenges within the deciduous fruit industry.
• Coordinated field, greenhouse and laboratory trials involving insects, nematodes, fungi and microbial pathogens.
• Conducted investigations into insect behaviour and responses to plant volatiles and pheromones.
• Evaluated registered pesticides against banded fruit weevil.
• Conducted research into entomopathogenic nematodes for potential biological control applications.
• Collaborated with international researchers on research concerning a newly discovered seed wasp affecting the South African olive industry.
• Collected and processed research material to support entomological and biological control investigations.
• Provided practical training to subsistence farmers and local communities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape on mitigating pest damage to fruit trees.
• Supported research programmes through fieldwork, laboratory activities, technical observations and data collection.

Administrative Assistant & Health and Safety Officer at PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTICE (2021-01 – 2024-12)

• Managed administrative processes, records and documentation within a professional healthcare environment.
• Handled patient and service-provider queries and maintained professional communication.
• Conducted trained technical procedures including audio, vision and lung-function testing, ECGs and blood-pressure measurements.
• Assisted with minor surgical procedures and patient-care activities.
• Maintained medical records and supported document-management processes.
• Contributed to health and safety activities within the practice.
• Transferable strengths: technical procedure compliance, attention to detail, confidential records management, client interaction, administration and health and safety.

Founder / Business Owner at CAKE-A-WAY (2016-05 – 2020-12)

• Founded and managed a bespoke home-based confectionery business.
• Managed customer relationships, customised orders, production planning and fulfilment.
• Coordinated multiple requirements while maintaining quality and deadlines.
• Managed day-to-day operational and administrative aspects of the business.
• Transferable strengths: project coordination, customer service, planning, quality control, time management and entrepreneurship.

Intern: Entomology at KWAZULU-NATAL MUSEUM (2010-01 – 2010-12)

• Completed a DST/NRF-funded one-year internship in entomology.
• Supported insect collection curation, preservation, identification and databasing.
• Received training in Specify® collection management software.
• Supported specimen management and associated data organisation.
• Presented research at the Biodiversity is Life Conference at the ARC Biosystematics Institute in Pretoria.

BSc Honours in Entomology – University of KwaZulu-Natal – School of Biological & Conservation Sciences (2009 – 2009)

BSc in Entomology – University of KwaZulu-Natal – School of Biological & Conservation Sciences (2008 – 2008)

Matric Exemption – Crawford College, Durban (2003 – 2003)