MMSc Honours Student

Isabella is a microbiologist with a background in molecular biology and biotechnology. She has a keen interest in the intersection between human health, microbial ecology and virology. Her BSc Honours in Microbiology focused on disentangling the gut microbiomes of HIV-exposed and uninfected infants in South Africa. This research contributes towards the African Microbiome Group’s efforts which aims to fill the knowledge gaps surrounding African microbiomes. Building on this foundation, her MSc research explores virus-host interactions in the Southern Ocean with a focus on giant viruses and their auxiliary metabolic genes. Isabella’s broader interests include all things astrobiology and the resilience of extremophiles in these environments.

Isabella possesses strong molecular and research skills and is actively developing her bioinformatic expertise.