Nomasonto Skosana

Nomasonto grew up in Klerksdorp in South Africa's Northwest Province, where she spent her childhood years exploring the behaviour of any organism she came across in the backyard of her grandma’s house. For this reason, she always knew that her passion lay in conservation. While studying, she volunteered at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, and few months later she was offered a learnership program there. At the end of the learnership she was given an opportunity to assist in the aquarium part of the zoo. It was during this time that her interest in aquatic organisms developed. This led her to further her studies and pursue an honours degree in biology with a research focus on health of aquatic systems.

Subsequently, Nomasonto became a life science teacher, teaching grade 10-12, but due to her passion for conservation, she felt the need to advance herself by studying further. She believes that the Master’s program offered at the FitzPatrick Institute will arm her with the necessary skills and knowledge she requires to help solve environmental problems.

Thesis
Using benthic algae as an indicator of recreational disturbance in Langebaan lagoon. Supervisor: A/Prof. Deena Pillay.