Qualifications: BSc Biological Sciences (UKZN), BSc Hons. Biological Sciences (UKZN).
Q: What inspired you to make this career choice?
A: I have always found a sense of serenity in nature, so, for my honours research, I had selected a topic that dealt with plant systematics. My supervisors showed such passion and dedication for nature and plants and I admired that. It was during that time, I realised that this is the career for me.
Q: Give a brief description of what your job entails.
A: My job entails conducting taxonomic research by compiling plant families for the Flora of KwaZulu-Natal, preparing manuscripts for the Flowering Plants of Africa journal, data capturing the Quick Guide specimens and verifying data captured from the KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium.
Q: How does it contribute to Collections Management?
A: Researchers and collectors will be able to identify all species of plants within KwaZulu-Natal more easily. It promotes an interest in plants found in Africa. Specimen data housed at the NH can be easily accessed by researchers worldwide due to the online platform.
Q: What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
A: That my research is of value and that it will help contribute to what is known about these plants globally in efforts to conserve plants.
Q: What advice would you give to young people considering a career within Scientific Collections Management?
A: No job role is too small and no pay scale too little, if you are passionate about starting a career in Scientific Collections Management it could be the gateway to your success.
Q: What does Leadership mean to you?
A: It means to not be afraid to go against the odds, to make a change by listening to the voices of the people and their needs, and accommodating those changes in the best way you possibly can for the betterment of everyone and not for you alone.
Interested in being profiled? Email Fulu at fulufhelo@nscf.org.za to express interest.
Visit the NSCF website to view more profiles like this: https://nscf.org.za/category/youth-in-collections/