Employment
Academic Departmental Head, UFS (2015 - 2018)
Professor in Microbiology, UFS (2002 – present)
Associate Professor in Microbiology, UFS (1998 - 2001)
Senior Lecturer in Microbiology, UFS (1994 - 1998)
Academic qualifications and further training
Aug. 1991 - June 1993: Ph.D. ( Microbiology), U.O.F.S.
July 1988 - Nov. 1989: Post doctoral research, Prof. D. Ferreira, Chemistry Dept., U.O.F.S.
June 1987 - May 1988: Post doctoral research, Dr. D.H. Williams, University Chemical Laboratory, Cambridge University, England.
Jan. 1983 - Dec. 1986: Ph.D.(Organic Chemistry), Rand Afrikaans University.
Jan. 1981 – Dec. 1981: M.Sc.(Organic Chemistry)(cum laude), Rand Afrikaans University
Jan. 1980 – Dec. 1980: B.Sc.Hons. (Chemistry)(cum laude), Rand Afrikaans University.
1977 to 1979: B.Sc. (Chemistry and Mathematics )(cum laude), Rand Afrikaans University, Johannesburg
Research Projects
2005 – 2019: The Nature and Mechanism of Oxygenases running in the Paraffin Activation Programme of the UCT based Centre of Excellence in Catalysis
2013: Validation of a process for the production of an aroma chemical - contract research project for Puris Natural Aroma Chemicals
2012-2013: Alkene and alkane functionalization by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenases - funded by SASOL
2007 – 2011: Set-up of a Directed Evolution System for Hydroxylating Enzymes IRDP – NRF & UFS High Throughput Biology Research Niche Area
2008 – 2009: A 3D-MCSIS database for cytochrome P450 monooxygenases – funded by the SA National Bioinformatics Network.
2007-2009: Collaboration on the development of self-sufficient P450 based hydroxylation biocatalysts SA-Germany collaboration under the NRF Key International Science Capacity (KISC) Initiative
2006 – 2008: Oxidative Biotransformation of Alkylphenols running in the Small Volume Chemicals Programme of the UCT based Centre of Excellence in Catalysis
2005 – 2008: Mining fungal genome databases – funded by SA National Research Foundation
2003 – 2004: Applications of alkane grown yeasts- funded by SA National Research Foundation
2000 - 2001: Screening for yeast biocatalysts for the synthesis of enantiopure hydroxy compounds. - contract research for Juelich Enzyme Products
1999 - 2001: Construction of a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase library in Yarrowia lipolytica - funded by SA-France collaborative project
1996 - 2000: Functionalization of long-chain hydrocarbons and phenol derivatives - funded by SASOL
1994 - 2002 Biotransformations for the chemical industry - funded by SA National Research Foundation
1994 - 1996 Biotransformation of monoterpenes - funded by AECI