I am Noxolo Mdedelwa, from a small town called Barkly East in the Eastern Cape. I have Honours in Botany and currently doing Masters. My research is focusing on Molecular effects of abiotic stresses in Lessertia frutescens (L.). The research has enabled me to be able to be on field and work outside for long hours and later analyze the results in the lab. I have been a part of the Habitable Planet Workshops which give a vivid view on the effects and impacts of climate change.

Nature has always fascinated me, which is one of the reasons I chose a career as a Botanist. The other reason is that plants can tell us a lot about the world we live in, making it a fascinating field. For these reasons, I began preparing for this career in my second year by working in a plant nursery and herbarium. I have since earned a degree in botany.