MSc Candidate

Haneefah Kenny is a first-year MSc Microbiology student within the African Microbiome Group. She holds a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and an Honours degree in Microbiology from Stellenbosch University. She is particularly interested in the integration of multi-omics and bioinformatic approaches to better understand microbial processes in aquatic environments.

Haneefah’s MSc study focuses on the role of horizontal gene transfer mediated by bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in shaping biogeochemical cycling and microplastic degradation in wastewater and freshwater systems. This work contributes to the broader theme of providing mechanistic insights on the role of microbial responses to ecosystem resilience in a changing environment.