I am an Associate Professor in Therapeutic Nutrition in the Division of Human Nutrition, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University. For more than 17 years, I have worked in the field of nutritional sciences, with a strong research and teaching focus on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition, the gut microbiome, breastmilk, and body composition.

My research has advanced knowledge in neonatal and pediatric nutrition, including multi-country collaborations on breastmilk, probiotics, and the impact of maternal HIV on infant growth. I have published numerous peer-reviewed articles, serve on editorial boards such as Breastfeeding Medicine, and am an active member of professional societies including the International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation (ISRHML) and The Allergy Society of South Africa.

Alongside my academic work, I co-invented the Multifunctional, Minimally Invasive, Preterm Anthropometric Growth Apparatus (PAGA), a patented medical device designed to improve the measurement and monitoring of preterm infant growth, supported by the Technology Innovation Agency and the University Technology Fund.

I am passionate about mentoring and have supervised 30 postgraduate students (PhDs and Masters) to successful graduation. Through my teaching and international training initiatives, I aim to inspire the next generation of dietitians.

Beyond academia, I am involved with the nutrition support at Tygerberg Hospital, where I integrate clinical practice with research to improve patient care. I continue to work towards bridging science, innovation, and practice in nutrition — both in South Africa and internationally.