About Me

I have a passion for the preservation of the natural environment, a passion underpinned by a struggle of utmost importance, a struggle to find a balance between human needs and our ongoing existence with nature. This passion has led me to pursue a career as an academic. I completed an MSc degree in the field of aquatic health in my home country of South Africa where I conducted 'An assessment of the aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity within the Nyl River Floodplain system, Limpopo, South Africa'. I have recently obtained my PhD in Germany where I focused on 'Disentangling the effects of environmental drivers on the structure and function of macroinvertebrate communities within boreal streams'. Now, as a post-doctoral researcher, I find myself in Lithuania where my main aim is to integrate taxonomic, functional, and [phylo]genetic diversity through statistical and ecological explorations.

I have a great love for nature, wildlife and the outdoors, combined with a passion for travel to remote, unknown or better-known places (4x4 Off Road Routes). I enjoy socializing with friends and family at a good restaurant or just around a bonfire at home with good conversation and a beer/wine. I thoroughly enjoy listening to diverse types of music and supporting live musical acts. Some of my other passions lie in watching and participating in various sporting activities from playing soccer to table tennis, I enjoy staying active and healthy. Whether I’m on a hike or simply just watching the birds around the bird feeder at home, observing and appreciating nature is one of my favorite pastimes and I take every opportunity I can to further immerse myself in nature. 

Personal strengths:
face difficulties head on | self-confident | organized | like room to improve | original | design and conceptually orientated | self-disciplined | value inputs yet used wisely | proactive to get projects moving | enjoy intellectual challenge | prefer some autonomy to be effective | prefer efficient systems and procedures.

Work related strengths:
an ability to focus and concentrate deeply on issues | ability to see possibilities and implications | enjoyment of complex theoretical and intellectual challenges | an aptitude for creative problem solving; the ability to examine issues objectively | single-minded determination to reach goals, even in the face of opposition | confidence in and commitment to my vision | strong motivation to be competent and to excel | an ability to work well alone; I am independent and self-directed | high standards and a strong work ethic | an ability to create systems and models to achieve my objectives | comfortable with technology | logical and analytical decision-making skills | decisiveness and strong organisational skills.

In a team:
I push to remove obstacles | organisational vision | implement new ideas | simplify overly complex tasks and procedures | able to systemize goals.

Management style:
conceptualise and design work models | organise ideas into action plans | tough-minded and decisive when needed | instil a sense of drive in myself and others to attain goals | plan strategies for new projects.

Communication style:
communicate with specific purposes in mind | if people see it they will understand it | collect information visually | use of logical structure | factual.