Qualifications: BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology (UKZN), BSc Hons. Environmental Management (UNISA), MSc Nature Conservation (in progress), UNISA.
Q: What inspired you to make this career choice?
A: Well, I didn’t choose this career, it chose me by chance 😊. Due to poor career guidance, I ended up graduating with a BSc. degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry at UKZN. Luckily enough, I got an internship in the Entomology department in one of the agricultural research institutions that opened the doors and introduced me to collections management, environmental management and nature conservation.
Q: Give a brief description of what your job entails.
A: My job entails mammal specimen preparation and curation, maintaining mammal collection spaces, conducting annual inventories for departmental collections, preparing and packaging loans, maintaining administrative departmental documents and registers, stock taking and ordering of consumables for the department, conducting behind-the-scenes tours and interactive museum exhibits for the mammal department. I provide day-to-day mentorship and training to museum volunteers and interns seconded to the DNSM mammal department. I also assist with mammal field work.
Q: How does it contribute to Collections Management?
A: My job contributes to collections management by ensuring that the DNSM mammal collection is protected, secure, cared for, and preserved from deterioration. I also try to promote museum services to the public at large and provide them with in-depth knowledge and personalized experience of museum collections and activities to ensure greater visitor experience.
Q: What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
A: I enjoy field trips and travelling to parts of the country that I have not explored before. I also enjoy interacting with the public during behind the scenes tours and other outreach activities.
Q: What advice would you give to young people considering a career within Scientific Collections Management?
A: If you are passionate about nature, nature conservation and the environment, then this is the right place for you. Very interesting, very diverse, it is a field with a lot of opportunities to offer and various avenues to pursue in terms of career growth.
Q: What does Leadership mean to you?
A: For me, leadership starts with self-leadership; self-awareness; self-reflection; ability to be exemplary and be an exemplary leader; empathy; vulnerability; understanding and an ability to motivate people to accomplish their highest potential.