Biography

Ntanganedzeni Olivia Mapholi is an Associate Professor in Animal Genomics and Head of the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa (UNISA). She is rated as a promising young researcher (Category Y) by the National Research Foundation of South Africa. Chair of the Local Organizing Committee of the 2023 International Society of Animal Genetics Conference, which is to be held in South Africa. Co-chairs of African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP). Previously chaired the Livestock Genomics for Developing Countries Committee of the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) for eight years. She holds a BSc Hons (Genetics) and MSc (Molecular Genetics) from the University of Free State, and a PhD in Animal Sciences from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Her PhD thesis was entitled “Exploring Genetic Architecture of Tick Resistance in South African Nguni cattle”. She is a specialist in Animal Genetics and Genomics, with a focus on the use of genomics technology to improve livestock production by identifying genomic regions or variants influencing production traits (growth performance, feedlot performance and meat quality) and disease resistance (tick and tick-borne diseases). Other research focus areas include genetic diversity and the use of DNA markers to combat stock theft and wildlife poaching in South Africa.