Ms Melandre Van Lill

I joined FABI in 2019 as a CPHB mentorship student during the second year of my undergraduate studies, and later completed my Honours in Microbiology in 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Venter and Prof. Steenkamp. My Honours research explored the diversity of Mesorhizobium strains associated with indigenous South African legumes, Vachellia karroo and Lessertia diffusa. I continued this work during my Master’s degree, focusing on the rhizobia associated with bush-encroaching legumes that impact the Savanna ecosystem - a project that deepened my interest in microbial diversity and systematics.

Currently, my Ph.D. research investigates the evolutionary relationships of rhizobia at the species, genus, and family levels. I am particularly fascinated by how these bacteria adapt and diversify, and how their symbiotic relationships with legumes influence broader ecological dynamics. I also serve as a curator on the SeqCode registry, contributing to a modernised bacterial nomenclature system where genomes serve as type material - an exciting step forward in microbial taxonomy.

In addition to my research, I’m passionate about mentorship, teaching, and outreach. I co-organise and manage the FABI Mentorship Program, where I support undergraduate students through academic and personal growth. I’m also involved in teaching several undergraduate modules and find great joy in working with students and watching them grow into confident young scientists. Beyond the university, I participate in community outreach initiatives aimed at engaging primary and high school learners in science, with the hope of sparking curiosity and building a more inclusive scientific community.