Honours Student 

Stache is a BSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology graduate currently pursuing an Honours degree in Microbiology at Stellenbosch University.  Her research focuses on characterising the gut and skin mycobiome of South African individuals to better understand its role in acne. Specifically, this study investigates how urban and rural lifestyles, particularly dietary patterns, influence fungal communities in the gut and their relationship with the skin microbiome. Using ITS amplicon sequencing and bioinformatic analyses, this research seeks to advance our understanding of the African mycobiome and its contribution to skin health.

This work addresses the underrepresentation of African populations in microbiome research while generating valuable knowledge that may contribute to future microbiome-based diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for the prevention and management of acne in African populations.