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 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 reflect my academic and research progress, capturing the evolution of my work📈.