My research group’s primary focus is on yeast molecular biology. We aim to create yeast strains to efficiently convert biomass into second-generation biofuels and higher value chemical building blocks by enhancing strain robustness, improving the secretion of foreign proteins, and enabling non-sterile fermentations. Additionally, we work on engineering yeast strains to produce high-value chemicals like xylitol and lactic acid from biomass-derived sugars. We are also exploring the use of CRISPR-Cas9 based engineering techniques in both industrial and naturally isolated yeast strains. I have maintained collaboration with Profs. M. Viljoen-Bloom and J. Görgens at Stellenbosch University and established an international partnership with Professor Tomohisa Hasunuma of Kobe University in 2019 through an NRF/JSPS bilateral agreement, which is ongoing.