Ms. Marilie Pretorius is a postdoctoral fellow with the Food Systems Research Network for Africa (FSNet-Africa) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She holds a PhD in Zoology, with the focus of her doctoral study being on the effects of environmental degradation due to metal pollution on the African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and its associated parasite species (Lamproglena clariae) from the Vaal River, South Africa.
Marilie’s research interests include animal health, parasitology, zoology, entomology, and agricultural ecology. She has previously studied ectoparasite tolerance between Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle in South Africa and completed an internship with the Brahman Breeders Association of South Africa. She grew up in a multigenerational farming family, resulting in respect for and interest in the natural world. In her spare time, Marilie is a nature enthusiast that enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time on her family’s farm.
