I studied at the University of Fort Hare, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 2012, majoring in Microbiology and Biochemistry. The foundation laid during these formative years ignited a passion for microbiology and set the stage for my future accomplishments. In 2015, I achieved an outstanding milestone by graduating Cum Laude with a Master's degree in Microbiology from the University of Fort Hare. My MSc thesis, titled "Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Bacillus cereus from cow’s raw milk," showcased both my research skills and dedication to advancing microbiological knowledge. I embarked on a Ph.D. journey at the University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science on a research that involves the molecular characterization of South African Ehrlichia ruminantium field isolates and development of a reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the evaluation of a multivalent inactivated vaccine. I am set to graduate for my Ph.D. Veterinary Tropical Diseases in April 2024. I have been recognized for my academic excellence, receiving the Academic Achievement Award for the best 2nd year BSc student in 2009. Additionally, I have actively pursued further training, including a short course in Introduction to Applied Bioinformatics in 2019 and a course in Statistical Analysis using SPSS in 2018. I have made a mark in the scientific community through the peer reviewed publications: Dlamkile, Z., Neves, L., Morar-Leather, D., Brandt, C., Pretorius, A.,Steyn, H., Liebenberg, J., “Characterisation of South African field Ehrlichia ruminantium using multilocus sequence typing”, Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 90, No. 1, 2023 pp 1-8 Mazhetese, E., Lukanji, Z., Byaruhanga, C., Neves, L., Morar-Leather., “Rickettsia africae infection rates and transovarial transmission in Amblyomma hebraeum ticks in Mnisi, Bushbuckridge, South Africa”, Experimental and Applied Acarology, vol. 86, 2022, pp 407–418 Ganzinelli, S., Byaruhanga, C., Primo, M.E., Lukanji, Z., Sibeko, K., Matjila, T., Neves, L., Benitez, D., Enkhbaatar, B., Nugraha, A.B., Igarashi, I., Florin-Christensen, M., Schnittger, L., “International interlaboratory validation of a nested PCR for molecular detection of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina, causative agents of bovine babesiosis”, Veterinary Parasitology, vol. 304, 2022 109686 I have applied the theoretical knowledge I have acquired through my academic journey in my current role as Assistant Researcher at the University of Pretoria's Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases since October 2017. In the position, I have played a crucial role in various aspects of research projects and clinical trials. From reviewing dissertations to co-supervising students and conducting in vitro culturing of pathogens. Prior to my current position, I have served as a Research Intern at the NRF-University of Pretoria (Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases) from April 2016 to March 2017. During this period, I sharpened my skills in DNA extractions, primer design, gene expression assays. I have passion for making meaningful contributions to the field of Veterinary Diseases. My goal is to positively impart knowledge to students coming after me and be part of initiatives that seeks to positively change the lives of people through research. Also, I wish to build on my achievements and further my career.