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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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Dr David Walker
Acting HOD of Conservation and Marine Sciences
My broad research interests are marine and estuarine ecology, in particular the links between phytoplankton (plant plankton) growth and food webs. I have carried out this research off the west coast of South Africa, off Antarctica, around Marion Island and, more recently, in the Indian Ocean south of Madagascar.
Dr Tokoloho Rampai
Senior Lecturer
Dr Tokoloho Rampai's research focus is mainly Materials Engineering, this is applied both in Antarctic sea ice research and advanced ceramic materials development for application in catalytic processes. Under the sea ice research; she focuses on improving the understanding of the dynamics of sea ice growth and how these give rise to the material properties (microstructure and mechanics) of Antarctic Sea ice. This is predominately carried out through artificial sea ice growth experiments in temperature-controlled laboratory conditions and nominally through field testing in the Marginal Ice Zone in the Southern Ocean.
Dr Fannie Shabangu
Marine Biologist
My research focus is mainly on marine mammal acoustic occurrence, behaviour and interaction with environmental conditions. Large marine mammals of interest are Antarctic blue whales, fin whales, Madagascan pygmy blue whales, Antarctic minke whales, humpback whales, sei whales, southern right whales, sperm whales and killer whales. And smaller marine mammals of interest are crabeater seals, leopard seals and Ross seals.
Prof. David William Hedding
Professor
My primary research focuses on landscape responses to climate change, landscape evolution over geological timescales, and periglacial processes and landforms in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic. I also conduct research on soil erosion by wind and water as well as rock decay.
Dr Tshoanelo Miya
Researcher and Lecturer
My main research interests are in the field of molecular analyses of aquatic biodiversity, focusing on the use of DNA sequences to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships, the phylogeography structure of different species and populations, and the environmental DNA to detect fish species that might have been missed by traditional fish collection methods.
Jethan d'Hotman
Senior Technician
Jethan's research focus includes Physical Oceanography of the Agulhas Current and its impacts on coastal dynamics. With a strong foundation in fieldwork and data management, Jethan is passionate about advancing sustainable ocean science through innovation and collaboration.
