My work is driven by a fascination with the stories that objects tell—not only through their imagery and cultural significance, but also through the materials from which they are made. Over the past decade, this interest has led me across the fields of art history, heritage conservation, collections management, and conservation science, shaping an interdisciplinary career dedicated to the preservation and study of cultural heritage.

I hold two Master's degrees from the University of Pretoria: a Master of Arts in Visual Studies and a Master of Social Science in Tangible Heritage Conservation, which I completed with distinction. My academic journey began with a passion for South African art and visual culture, but gradually expanded into the scientific investigation of artworks and heritage objects. Today, my work sits at the intersection of art, history, and science, combining traditional art historical research with analytical techniques that reveal how objects were made, how they have changed over time, and how they can best be preserved for future generations.

I am currently completing a PhD at the University of Pretoria, where my research focuses on the development of a Mobile Heritage Laboratory for Southern Africa. This initiative seeks to make heritage science more accessible across the region by providing a portable, non-invasive, and non-destructive analytical platform that can be used directly within museums, galleries, archives, historic sites, and communities. Through this work, I aim to help address longstanding inequalities in access to scientific research infrastructure and contribute to a more inclusive and locally driven approach to heritage preservation.

A central component of my doctoral research is an in-depth technical study of the South African artist Lucky Sibiya. Through material analysis and archival research, I am working to develop what is believed to be the first dedicated materials database for a Southern African artist. This research not only contributes to a deeper understanding of Sibiya's artistic practice but also explores how scientific investigation can enrich art historical interpretation and conservation decision-making.

Alongside my research, I have worked in museums, galleries, and academic environments, gaining experience in collections management, conservation, exhibition development, teaching, and research. My professional interests include technical art history, conservation science, preventive conservation, analytical chemistry for cultural heritage, and the use of scientific methods to unlock new knowledge about artworks and material culture.

I have undertaken specialist training in heritage science and conservation, including analytical chemistry training at Yale University's Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, as well as conservation workshops and collection care programmes in South Africa. These experiences have reinforced my belief that meaningful heritage preservation depends on collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and communities.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to making heritage knowledge more accessible. Whether through research, exhibitions, conservation projects, or public engagement initiatives, I am interested in creating opportunities for people to connect with the material evidence of the past and to better understand the cultural heritage that shapes our collective histories.

I believe that every object has a story to tell. My role is to help uncover those stories, preserve them, and share them with others.