Qualifications: BSc. Degree in Environmental Science, Honours degree in Grassland Science and currently in my Master’s degree in Grassland Science.
Q: What inspired you to make this career choice?
A: In high school I always loved and got great marks for Geography and Biology and so I chose a degree that would go in line with the subjects I was thriving in. Environmental Sciences was the perfect career choice for me because that is when I realised how passionate I was about nature conservation.
Q: Give a brief description of what your job entails.
A: A huge percentage of my work-time goes to capturing and doing quality control of specimen data from hand written or typed labels. I also use various GIS tools to geo-reference specimen records.
Q: How does it contribute to Collections Management?
A: My work makes sure that the collections will be databased and thus, digitally accessible to global researchers and that should anything happen to our live collections we will always have the digital copies for access.
Q: What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
A: The most exciting thing about my work is the challenges that are associated with GIS and getting to travel the whole of Southern Africa while sitting on my desk!
Q: What advice would you give to young people considering a career within Scientific Collections Management?
A: I would tell them that there are many opportunities that are available within Scientific Collections Management and they must work hard to be recognised.
Q: What does Leadership mean to you?
A: A great leader for me must possess these qualities: courageous and inspiring to the team; yielding and understanding but also firm and goal driven.