Research assistant

Email: samleeprinsloo@gmail.com

BSc (hons), Entomology, Rhodes University (2019)
MSc, Entomology, Rhodes University (2021)

Research Areas: Aquatic weeds

Samantha completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Rhodes University, majoring in Entomology and Microbiology. She then went on to complete her BSc (Hons) in Entomology. Samantha has been part of the CBC since 2017 when she completed her 3^rd year project which investigated the effects of insecticides on entomopathogenic fungal isolates. In her Honours year, Samantha completed two year-long projects, the first involved the initial screening of potential plant fungal pathogens that could be used to control Water hyacinth. Her second project investigated the susceptibility of different artificial diets/preparation methods to fungal contamination.

Samantha obtained her Masters in Entomology with distinction in 2021. Her thesis investigated the biological control of a key citrus pest in South Africa, False codling moth (FCM). She aimed to investigate the relationship between different insect pathogens, specifically entomopathogenic nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi, to improve control efforts of FCM in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Samantha’s thesis provided insight into the interactions between microbial control agents, with synergistic, additive and antagonist interactions observed.

Since the completion of her MSc, she has joined the CBC team in the northern parts of South Africa, working on aquatic weed control monitoring. Samantha has enjoyed working within the field of biological control and is looking forward to what the future has to offer for upcoming entomologists and the field of biological control globally.

Research interests: Insect pathogens, aquatic weeds, biological control

Last Modified: Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:52:15 SAST