Gretel van Rooyen

Prof Gretel van Rooyen has a PhD in Plant Ecology at the University of Pretoria and is a Professor in Plant Ecology at the University of Pretoria. She is author/co-author of more than 100 peer reviewed research publications and has presented/co-presented more than 100 posters or papers at international and national conferences. Five PhD and 29 Masters students have completed their studies under her supervision/co-supervision. Gretel has co-authored a book and two wildflower guides while she has also contributed to six chapters in various books. Her primary research interests lie in population biology and vegetation dynamics with her main aim being to gain an understanding of ecosystem dynamics and to use this understanding to develop strategies to conserve, manage, use sustainably or restore ecosystems. Geographically the focus of the studies has been primarily in Namaqualand and the Kalahari although several studies were conducted in Maputaland (Northern KwaZulu-Natal) and Namibia.