Department of Botany & Zoology, University of Stellenbosch

Professor Nox Makunga is a Medicinal Plant Biotechnology expert. After obtaining a PhD in plant molecular biology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2004, she joined Stellenbosch University in 2005.

Makunga’s research focuses on the application of biotechnology to Cape medicinal flora. Both transgenic and non-transgenic alterations to specialised metabolism are examined using metabolomic approaches. She is also interested in people-plant interactions, including the cultural significance of plants and the associated opportunities for socio-economic development.