CIB DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion biology

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C·I·B STUDENTS AND POST-DOCS GO PLACES

Ever wondered what happens to students when they leave the Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, a Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence based at Stellenbosch University?

A quick look at the career paths of recent students and post-doctoral associates shows that many of them are continuing their excellent work on various aspects of alien invasive species through the key positions in research institutions and conservation organisations they now hold around the world.

Two of our former post-doctoral associates, Dr. Ruan Veldtman and Dr. Krystal Tolley, have both taken up important positions within the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Dr. Tolley is currently working in the Leslie Hill Molecular Laboratory, while Dr. Veldtman works as a pollination ecologist in the field of ecosystem services.

Dr. Sonja Matthee has taken up a post within Stellenbosch University as a lecturer in the Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, a department within the Faculty of AgriSciences which has close links with the C·I·B.

Dr. Botes at the Cederberg Wilderness.

Dr. Bruno Walther, who was a post-doctoral associate from Germany for 2006, has joined Diversitas in Paris , France as a Science Officer. Diversitas is an international, non-governmental programme that addresses scientific questions posed by biodiversity loss and change.

Local conservation authorities have also noted the calibre of students that the C·I·B attracts. CapeNature, the provincial conservation authority of the Western Cape, have recently appointed Dr. Antoinette Botes (previously a post-doctoral associate, pictured left) and Ms. Jeanne Gouws (who recently completed her MSc) to join their team of scientists. Dr. Botes is working as a regional ecologist, while Ms Gouws is working as a conservation technician in the river conservation unit.

Ms. Mandisa Mgobozi, who is completing her M.Sc. at the University of Pretoria, has taken up a position as ecologist at Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife and is currently based in Tembe Elephant Park.