In earlier years, she was the recipient of the Southern Africa Association for the Advancement of Science medal at the University of KwaZulu-Natal for her research in photoprotective pigments in lichens. She became an ecology researcher and data scientist after completing a PhD in ecology at the University of Cape Town. Her interests are to understand the dynamic complexities of nature and ensure its long-term protection through life-giving approaches, including the recognition of the Rights of Nature, particularly in Africa.
