Rate My Professor Karin Jacobs

Professor Karin Jacobs is a professor in the Department of Microbiology at Stellenbosch University. She obtained her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Pretoria in 2000. She progressed through academic appointments at Stellenbosch University to become a full professor in 2017, the same year she delivered her inaugural lecture. Her research focuses on microbial ecology and fungal taxonomy, with particular emphasis on the diversity and structure of soil microbial communities in the fynbos biome and the effects of anthropogenic activities, including alien plant invasion, on these communities, soil processes, and ecosystem services. Specific projects have addressed the diversity of ericoid mycorrhizae, Penicillium and Talaromyces species from the fynbos, riparian zone microbial responses to invasion and clearing, rhizosphere communities associated with Cyclopia and Aspalathus species, root nodule biodiversity, entomopathogenic fungi linked to invasive wasps, and microbial communities in Cape honey bee pollen sources. Prof Jacobs received the L'Oréal-UNESCO International Fellowship for Young Women in Science in 2003 and has authored or co-authored numerous publications in microbiology, reflected in high citation metrics on academic databases. She is the founder of Sporatec, a company associated with her research interests.

Throughout her career at Stellenbosch University, Prof Jacobs has contributed to advancing understanding of soil microbiology in unique South African ecosystems. Her work supports broader insights into biodiversity, invasion biology, and sustainable land management practices. She maintains an active laboratory focused on these themes and engages in teaching and mentorship within the Faculty of Science.