Hailing from Mtubatuba in KwaZulu Natal, her academic journey began with a broad interest in environmental studies, particularly animals.
However, as she delved deeper into the field, Samukelisiwe realised that nature encompasses much more than just animals - it includes people and the intricate interactions within ecosystems.
This realisation fuelled her passion for studying these connections and led her to focus on the critical role of fire in ecology.
Through her academic journey, Samukelisiwe has honed her ability to think critically about the complexity of natural systems.
She values interdisciplinary conversations and believes that understanding the interplay between different ecological elements is key to effective land management and conservation efforts.
The rewards of teaching
One of the highlights of her role as a lecturer is the diverse perspectives her students bring to the classroom. She finds great reward in integrating the views of forestry students, who see fire as a tool for land management, with those of nature conservation students, who emphasise fire's ecological role in ecosystem regeneration.
This integration is crucial in developing balanced strategies for land management and biodiversity, especially in the Southern Cape, where wildfires have had significant impacts.
Achievements and future aspirations
Samukelisiwe has already made outstanding contributions to the scientific community, having published work in scientific journals on vegetation and fire ecology.
She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Cape Town, where she focuses on using advanced imaging technology to understand how individual plants influence fire risk across landscapes.
Her goal is to integrate plant flammability knowledge into wildfire management strategies, particularly in the wildland-urban interface.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Samukelisiwe hopes that her success will inspire other women and younger students, showing them that it is possible to excel in a field that is often underrepresented. She is determined to break barriers and make a significant impact, regardless of background.
She attributes much of her success to the support of her family and the mentorship of academics like Dr Tineke Kraaij and Anisha Dayaram, who helped her develop independence, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to research integrity.
Looking forward
As she continues her academic journey, Samukelisiwe remains focused on making a meaningful difference in her field and community.
Her work is driven by a deep curiosity, an open-minded approach, and a strong network of fellow scholars who share her passion for understanding and protecting the natural world. Through her teaching and research, she aims to leave a lasting impact on the Southern Cape and beyond.