Journal of Microbiome and Gut Health

Dr. Tsireledzo Goodwill Makwarela is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Part-Time Lecturer at the Department of Nature Conservation, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa. He holds a PhD in Life Sciences (Genomics and Bioinformatics) and has over a decade of experience in molecular biology, parasitology, genomics, epidemiology, and higher education teaching. His research focuses on tick ecology, tick-borne diseases, wildlife–livestock–human interfaces, and One Health approaches. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, supervised postgraduate students, secured competitive research grants, and actively contributes to academic leadership, community engagement, and conservation-oriented research.

• Tick ecology and tick-borne diseases
• Wildlife–livestock–human disease interfaces
• One Health approaches to zoonotic disease control
• zoonotic pathogens
• parasite–microbiota interactions
• Microbiome ecology
• Parasite genomics and bioinformatics
• Vector–host–environment interactions
• Conservation governance and participatory research

• Postdoctoral research leadership on tick ecology and zoonotic risks

• Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching (Genetics, Microbiology, Conservation Biology)

• Supervision and co-supervision of MSc and PhD students

• Peer reviewer for international journals

• Conference presentations (oral and poster) at national and international forums

• Faculty committee roles (Postgraduate Studies, Library & Information Services)

• Assistant to Head of Department (strategic academic programmes)

• Community outreach and farmer training on tick-borne diseases

• Research methodology and capacity-building workshops

·  Makwarela, T.G., Seoraj-Pillai, N., & Nangammbi, T.C. (2025). Distribution and prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens at the wildlife–livestock interface in Africa: A systematic review. Veterinary Sciences, 12(4), 364.

·  Makwarela, T.G., Seoraj-Pillai, N., & Nangammbi, T.C. (2025). Tick control strategies: Critical insights into chemical, biological, physical, and integrated approaches. Veterinary Sciences, 12, 114.

·  Makwarela, T.G. et al. (2024). Morphological and molecular characterization of tick species infesting cattle in South Africa. Veterinary Sciences, 11(12), 638.

·  Makwarela, T.G. et al. (2023). Tick diversity and distribution of hard cattle ticks in South Africa. Microbiology Research, 14(1), 42–59.

·  Makwarela, T.G., Seoraj-Pillai, N., & Nangammbi, T.C. (2025). Exploring the Molluscan Microbiome: Diversity, Function, and Ecological Implications. Biology, 14, 1086.