Nationality: South African

Institution: University of the Witwatersrand

Department: Evolutionary Studies Institute

PAST programme support: Degree support

Research title: Anatomy, phylogenetic systematics and growth patterns of new theropod dinosaurs from the Triassic-Jurassic of southern Africa

I am a young female PhD student at the Evolutionary Studies Institute of Witwatersrand, driven by a profound passion for understanding ancient life and the dynamics of past ecosystems.

My academic journey has been rich and diverse, allowing me to engage with a variety of intriguing projects that have shaped my research interests. One of my key projects involved the description of a microfossil bonebed from the Late Permian. This research revealed significant insights into the gregarious behavior of parareptiles, shedding light on their social structures and interactions. Analyzing these microfossils has not only deepened my understanding of their ecology but has also highlighted the complexity of ancient life. Additionally, I explored the gut contents of a therocephalian, which provided a fascinating glimpse into the diet and feeding habits of these early therapsids. This work has been instrumental in reconstructing palaeoecological contexts and understanding the evolutionary pathways of these remarkable creatures. As I advance in my studies, I am excited about the prospect of making meaningful contributions to the palaeoscience community. I aim to continue exploring the intricacies of ancient environments, while fostering a greater appreciation for the diversity of life that once existed on our planet. Ultimately, I am driven by a desire to learn and share knowledge, hoping to inspire others to appreciate the wonders of our prehistoric world.