I am a dedicated researcher specializing in Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and its post-sequelae infections, particularly Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). Currently, I am a second-year PhD student and research fellow at the Cape Heart Institute, AFROStrep division, affiliated with the University of Cape Town. My research focuses on identifying biomarkers to improve RHD diagnosis and investigating GAS correlates of protection to support vaccine development. Together, these efforts aim to contribute to sustainable interventions that reduce the burden of GAS-related infections, particularly in high-burden regions.