I am currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Stellenbosch University, where I serve on the management committee of the department in my capacity as the Director of the Stellenbosch Photonics Institute. I consider myself an Applied Spectroscopist, conducting research on a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, collaborating with researchers from many different fields (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Geology, etc.).  I play an active role in the Teaching and Learning environment in our department and faculty. I teach on first year, third year and Honours level, and have developed new curricula for some of these modules over the years. I have served on the Social Impact and marketing committee of the Faculty of Science for 10 years and am the current academic advisor for our post-graduate outreach chapter.