The Department of Genetics at Stellenbosch University proudly celebrates one of its largest MSc graduating cohorts in recent years, alongside the successful completion of two PhD candidates. March 2026 graduation ceremonies marked a significant milestone for our department, with candidates graduating across both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of AgriSciences.

In the lead-up to graduation, each student completed a rigorous research journey, culminating in a formal defence presentation assessed by an academic panel. These sessions evaluated not only scientific depth, but also critical thinking, methodological rigour, and the ability to engage with complex biological questions  a process that defines the standard of postgraduate training in our department.

Plant Genetics and Biotechnology

Within plant genetics and biotechnology, several projects addressed pressing challenges in agriculture, crop improvement, and food systems.

Under the supervision of Prof J Lloyd, Ms Janet Keyter contributed to advancing genome editing technologies through her work on potato and tobacco systems, strengthening translational approaches in plant biotechnology.

Dr C van der Vyver supervised two projects focused on crop and tree biology. Mr Kondwani Banda investigated the manipulation of flower induction in fruit trees, while Mr Harry Frith worked on the functional characterization of water-deficit stress-inducible promoters in transgenic sugarcane. 

Dr S Peters, supervised Ms Leanne Walker, whose work focused on the characterization of minimal abiotic stress-inducible promoters for crop protection, advancing molecular tools for stress resilience.

Further strengthening the biotechnology space, Dr B van Asch supervised Ms Sunthuri Rajaruthnam, whose research explored mycelium-based biomaterials and fungal biobank diversity, bridging biotechnology innovation with sustainable material science.

Animal, Marine, and Conservation Genetics

The department’s strong presence in marine and animal genetics was reflected in several impactful studies addressing biodiversity, conservation, and aquaculture.

Under the supervision of Prof AE Bester-van der Merwe, Mr Nick Clemo investigated the conservation genetics of scalloped hammerhead sharks in the Southwestern Indian Ocean, contributing critical insights toward marine conservation strategies.

Prof C Rhode supervised two students working within aquaculture and fish genetics. Ms Mieke Jansen van Rensburg examined genetic diversity and growth traits in yellowtail fish, whereas Ms Stephanie Linder investigated genetic variation in candidate heat tolerance genes and their association with growth performance in dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus). 

Human and Health-Related Genetics

Human and medical genetics also formed component of this cohort, highlighting the department’s role in addressing complex health challenges.

Dr B Pearce supervised multiple projects within this space. Ms Robyn Austin investigated the influence of mitochondrial genomic dysfunction on lipid homeostasis in lipidaemic diseases, while Ms Tiffany Clinton conducted an in silico investigation into mitochondrial DNA mutations in Type 2 Diabetes and Degenerative Disc Disease — bridging computational biology with clinical relevance.

Further expanding into psychiatric genetics, Ms Cassidy Gray, co-supervised by Dr B Pearce and Dr NW McGregor, explored mitochondrial and mitonuclear contributions to schizophrenia symptom severity using a GWAS approach in a South African cohort, contributing to our understanding of complex neurogenetic disorders.

Innovation at the Interface of Nutrition and Biotechnology

At the intersection of plant science, nutrition, and product development, Dr B Loedolff supervised Ms Meghan Oosthuizen, whose work focused on the development of a carrot (Daucus carota) microgreen-based product for use as a supplement in bottled water highlighting the department’s growing footprint in functional foods and translational research.

Doctoral Graduates

The department also proudly celebrates the graduation of two PhD candidates, reflecting the continued strength of advanced research within our academic environment.

Dr Jessica Winn, supervised by Prof AE Bester-van der Merwe and co-supervised by Dr SN Maduna, conducted an evolutionary ecological genomics study on the smoothhound shark (Mustelus mustelus). Her research integrated mitophylogenomics and seascape genomics to uncover adaptive population structure across regional and global scales, providing critical insights into conservation unit delineation and the management of vulnerable marine species.

In plant biotechnology, Dr Casey  Gabriel, supervised by Prof J Lloyd and co-supervised by Prof C Rhode, investigated the genetic basis of flowering traits in Cannabis sativa under differential environmental conditions. This work identified key genetic loci influencing bud density and growth performance, contributing to crop optimisation and the emerging medicinal cannabis industry in South Africa.

Dr Maipato Margaret Mota, co-supervised by Dr C van der Vyver , completed her PhD in Agronomy focusing on induced mutation approaches to improve drought adaptation and productivity in potato. Her research demonstrates the potential of mutation breeding to develop drought-tolerant lines, contributing to improved crop performance and resilience under water-limited conditions in Southern Africa.

Dr Godwin Mafireyi, supervised by Emeritus Prof Johan Burger, completed his PhD in cucurbit genomics. His research contributes to advancing our understanding of genomic architecture and trait development within cucurbit crops, supporting future breeding and crop improvement strategies.

A Cohort Defined by Impact

What distinguishes this Msc cohort is not only its size, but the breadth of its scientific contributions spanning genome editing, drought tolerance, conservation genetics, complex disease, and biotechnology innovation.

Each graduate has emerged from a demanding academic process as a skilled researcher, equipped to contribute meaningfully to academia, industry, and society. As a department, we are proud to have guided this journey and look forward to the continued impact of our graduates.

Composed by The Department Scribe – M. le Roux