SAEON Graduate Student Network
SAEON Graduate Student Network
Margaretha is an MSc candidate in BiologicalOceanography at Nelson Mandela University,focusing on developing an integrative zooplanktonbiodiversity monitoring framework for aninternational coastal Long-Term Ecological Research(LTER) site. Her research is supervised by Dr. ShaunDeyzel, with Dr. Mfundo Bizani as her co-supervisor.She holds an undergraduate degree in BiologicalSciences and an Honours degree in Zoology. Outsideher academic pursuits, Margaretha is an activevolunteer with the National Sea Rescue Institute andenjoys scuba diving, sailing and swimming.
Conor is a PhD candidate in ecology at the Grasslands node and Utrecht University in the Netherlands. He holds a BSocSci in Environmental and Geographical Science and Public Policy and Administration, a first- class honours in Environmental Science, and a Masters in Conservation Biology, all from the University of Cape Town (UCT). Conor also has five years of experience working in conservation and education. His current research, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), focuses on the interactive effects of fire regimes and climate change on temperate-montane grasslands at SAEON's Cathedral Peak research area.
Hana is a PhD candidate in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Cape Town. Her PhD research focuses on observed climate change impacts on plant communities in Mediterranean-climate ecosystems, under the supervision of Dr Jasper Slingsby and Dr Ryan Blanchard. She completed her undergraduate and Masters degrees in the same department at UCT, with a focus on the plant ecology of the arid Karoo region. Beyond her research, she enjoys spending time botanising and making art.
Clea is a first year MSc student in the Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Department at the University of Cape Town. Her MSc research focuses on investigating the subsurface manifestation of marine heatwaves in the South West Indian Ocean, under the supervision of Juliet Hermes, Tamaryn Morris, Janet Sprintall and Neil Malan. She holds an undergraduate degree in Ocean and Atmosphere Science and Marine Biology and an Honours in Ocean and Atmosphere Science. Beyond her academic studies, Clea enjoys travelling, sunsets at the beach, running and art.
Toka is a PhD student at the University of the Free State, Qwaqwa campus. His PhD focuses on understanding soundscape dynamics of the Northern Drakensberg region, under the supervision of Professor Aliza le Roux, Dr. Kathleen Smart and Dr. Nicholas Friedman. He has a background of behavioural ecology, and bioacoustics. Toka enjoys being surrounded by mountains and sometimes sports fans.
