Post Doctoral Research Fellow and Lecturer at the Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology I have a strong academic and research background, with a focus on zoology and a deep interest in biodiversity conservation, invasive species, and molecular biology. My educational journey began with a BSc in botany and zoology and an Honours degree in zoology from the University of Venda, where I developed a foundational understanding of animal biology and ecosystem interactions. During my MSc at the University of Pretoria, my research centred on the role of the pet trade and scientific laboratories in facilitating the spread of invasive rodents in South Africa. This project allowed me to develop practical skills in field research, data collection, and analysis, and it deepened my understanding of the ecological risks posed by human activities. For my PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, I expanded my focus to examine the risk associated with exotic mammal species in the South African pet trade, an area of significant importance for both conservation efforts and policy-making. Through this work, I developed my expertise in molecular biology techniques, particularly DNA barcoding, to assess genetic diversity and monitor invasive species. I also became interested in studying exotic bird species that establish feral populations outside their native ranges, which has broader implications for managing invasive species.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of East Anglia. Research thesis title: "Biodiversity and ecosystem services in fruit farms: the roles of management and semi-natural habitats.". MSc in Applied Ecology & Conservation from the University of East Anglia, with a research thesis titled "“Impact of nest predation, landscape and temporal variables on the breeding productivity, and habitat utilisation of lowland Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata in Breckland, UK.” BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Nottingham, with a research thesis titled "“The acoustic ecology of the European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus).”
Senior Lecturer, School of Accountancy, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University Nirmala came to Massey from Waikato University where she taught part-time. Prior to this, she taught at the University of South Pacific in Fiji. She researches in the areas of performance management systems, public sector performance audits and accountability, qualitative research methods and hermeneutics. Her research has a management accounting focus.
Strategic Lead, Human Sciences Research Council Dr Nompumelelo Zungu holds a D. Phil in Psychology from the University of Cape Town. Currently she is a Strategic Lead in the Public Health, Societies and Belonging Research Division of the Human Sciences Research Council where she leads a sub-division called Identity and Belonging. She is also a senior honorary lecturer at the University of KwaZulu Natal, School of Nursing & Public health and the current Editor in Chief of the SAHARA Journal. She has been a PI, co-PI, and a chief of party on several national population-based surveys and research projects. Her expertise and special interest are in social aspects and social determinants of health; specifically, HIV, GBV, gender and mental health. During her career spanning 28 years, she has co-authored over 71 peer-reviewed journal articles, 19 books, 15 book chapters and 15 research reports.
Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Bristol My primary research interests lie in the general field of party democracy, including political parties, public opinion, elections and vote behaviour. I have a long-standing interest in political party organisation and intra-party democracy, as well as political gender equality. My research specialism is the case study of Northern Ireland (NI), a case on which I have published research on elections, party organisation, ideology, political gender equality and the dimensionality of policy space.
Senior Research Fellow, Australian Council for Educational Research Nicole Wernert is a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research. Nicole Wernert is the National Research Coordinator for Australia for the IEA's Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), an international large-scale assessment of mathematics and science at Year 4 and Year 8.
