I am a PhD candidate with a background in medical physiology, genetics, and immunology. I completed a BSc in Human Anatomy & Physiology and Genetics from the University of Cape Town. I then pursued a BSc Honours degree in Genetics at Stellenbosch University, where I investigated the genetic variation of Diuraphis noxia, using SNP-based biomarkers from mitochondrial and endosymbiont genomes to understand phylogenetic diversity. I then completed an MSc in Medical Physiology at Stellenbosch University and the Medical research Council of South Africa. My Master's research focused on the immune status of the intestines in animal models of obesity and diabetes, where I explored the roles of inflammation, immune responses, and tissue repair and investigated the potential therapeutic effects of rooibos extract supplementation in these models. I was granted the opportunity to join the Ageing and Immunity group of Dr. Amanda Foks at the division of Biotherapeutics. My research focuses on exploring the B cell subsets associated with atherosclerosis and investigating the causal effects using human cohorts and animal models for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This project is part of the EIC Pathfinder B-specific consortium where we aim to classify and mitigate the risk of CVD by generating biomarkers and defining novel prognostic and therapeutic targets, based on the recent discovery of a specific subset of age-associated B cells.