Nature’s flows occur on both land and water. Surfing has shaped who I am as much as science. The interface between land and sea is sacred and it is here where I am most fulfilled
Narrative curriculum vitae
In a academic career spanning some 40 years, I have aspired to contribute to both curiosity and applied research while at the same time being steadfastly engaged in research implementation and community outreach.
in doing so I have conducted research on plant diversity and evolution, conservation science, restoration ecology and palaeoecology. My social engagement has, I believe influenced conservation practice and policy in South Africa, especially in the fields of sustainable land use planning, protected area expansion and restoration of degraded ecosystems.
I have also published extensively in plant ecology, specifically fire ecology, ecophysiology, seed ecology and the ecology of plant species coexistence, and used this knowledge in management protocols aimed at sustaining biodiversity. Notably, my research teams have transcended the complexities of real-world conservation to achieve substantive gains for biodiversity protection in the megadiverse Greater Cape Floristic Region of South Africa as well as globally.
I have received numerous awards and accolades for my efforts.
Now I wish to move beyond science and embrace the hidden worlds of mystery and awe