About Me

I am Samukelisiwe Msweli, also comfortable with Sam. Born and raised in Mtubatuba, KwaZulu Natal. I am a budding vegetation and fire ecologist and a university lecturer, passionate about understanding the intricate dance between fire and plants. I have a master's degree in Nature Conservation from Nelson Mandela University. 

I am pursuing a PhD at the University of Cape Town where I am diving into the new world of advanced imaging technology to explore how individual plants influence fire risk across landscapes. My ultimate goal is to weave plant flammability knowledge into wildfire management strategies that protect both the wildland-urban interface and our rich biodiversity.

 When I am not burning things for science, I unwind by watching stand-up comedy, indulging in food documentaries, taking quiet walks in the neighborhood, singing, spinning, and playing some I-wish-I-was-good tennis. 

This website will closely reflect my academic and research progress, capturing the evolution of my work.