PEOPLE
EXPERT DATABASE
Finding experts in the field of polar and offshore marine research, within South Africa
ATTENTION: Polar & Offshore Marine Researchers
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r.mathakutha@saeon.nrf.ac.za
Prof. Nico de Bruyn
Vice President (Conservation & Education) & Director of the Global Center for Species Survival
Prof. de Bruyn has led and managed wildlife research and expeditionary field teams with international profiles in the fields of large mammal ecology, marine mammal science, wildlife management and zoological 3D photogrammetry for over two decades.
Prof. Els Vermeulen
Associate Professor and Chief Scientist
With over 20 years of experience in research on whales and dolphins, her main interest and expertise lie in population biology, ecology, and associated conservation management.
Tlhonolofatso Steve Tebele
Senior Technician
Research focuses on analyzing Sea Surface Temperature (SST) trends along the South African coast. The work examines coastal SST variations, contributing to a better understanding of how climate change impacts marine ecosystems in this region. SST research is vital for climate science, as it provides data on oceanic temperature shifts, which affect local marine biodiversity and broader climate patterns.
Robyn Verrinder
Senior Lecturer
Robyn’s research focuses on developing autonomous, cost-effective observational platforms to study Antarctic sea ice and ocean–atmosphere interactions. By bridging electrical engineering, marine robotics, and climate science, their work enhances understanding of sea ice dynamics and supports improved forecasting and climate modelling. A key objective is to strengthen South Africa’s marine engineering and remote sensing capabilities through innovative technology development, contributing to national strategic goals in polar research, sustainable ocean governance, and environmental monitoring.
Dr Riesna R. Audh
Research Coordinator: SAPRI Polar Lab Integrated Facility
My research focuses on sea ice biogeochemistry in the Antarctic Marginal Ice Zone (AMIZ) within the broader field of polar oceanography. I have a strong background in the development and implementation of protocols for sea ice sampling, processing, and analysis, ensuring high-quality data collection under challenging conditions – I am particularly skilled at sea ice coring, with over 250 sea ice cores collected during my postgraduate research.
Dr Sarah Nicholson
Principal Researcher
Dr Nicholson’s research investigates how upper-ocean processes influence climate, with a focus on the exchange of heat and carbon dioxide (CO₂) between the ocean and atmosphere. These exchanges play a key role in regulating global climate, but many of the underlying mechanisms, such as the impact of turbulence, storms, and biological processes are still not well understood.
