Prof. Dr. Wilmien Luus-Powell is a Professor in the Department of Biodiversity at the University of Limpopo (UL) and holds the DSTI-NRF SARChI Chair in Ecosystem Health. Her research focuses on aquatic ecosystem health, particularly the effects of environmental contaminants on fish health, parasite diversity, and ecosystem function. She also explores global change impacts on aquatic systems, water and sediment quality, and the risk of pollution on human health. Prof. Luus-Powell’s work extends to the use of parasites as bioindicators and to discovering new parasite species in freshwater ecosystems. She has been recognised with prestigious awards, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Award for Best Established Researcher (2013) and Best Female Researcher at UL (2021). As an NRF-rated scientist, she continues to advance academic knowledge and societal well-being. Her community-focused efforts include a collaboration with the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies to raise water awareness in the Mankweng area. This initiative, in partnership with Makgwadiba Primary School, educates learners about the Sustainable Development Goals, water quality monitoring, and resilient ecosystems. Through her research and as a consortium partner in FEAHLC, Prof. Luus-Powell fosters sustainable environmental practices and improves ecosystem health outcomes.
