I am Rivaldo Mockson.

My academic foundation is in forensic science and genetics. I completed a BSc in Forensic Science and Genetics, followed by a BSc Honours in Forensic Science and Genetics. That training gave me a foundation in biological evidence, genetic methods, laboratory work, and the careful interpretation that forensic science requires.

From there, my work moved into wildlife forensics. Wildlife evidence presents different challenges from the neat examples people often imagine when they think about DNA. Samples may be old, exposed, processed, contaminated, mixed with other species, or recovered from surfaces that affect what can be tested.

That is part of what drew me into the field. Wildlife forensic genetics requires careful interpretation of what an old, processed or mixed sample can support.

My MSc research is in interdisciplinary conservation and forensic genetics, with blesbok, Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi, used as the model species. The research looks at degraded blood evidence, processed wildlife products, species identification, and individual-level comparison.

One part of the project examines blood evidence on metal, wood, rubberized car mat, cotton, soil, and grass under indoor, semi-covered outdoor, and fully exposed outdoor conditions. Another part examines processed products, including biltong and mixed dry sausage.

The methods include mitochondrial DNA barcoding, microsatellite analysis, NanoDrop DNA concentration and purity assessment, and targeted qPCR assay development. Each method answers a different kind of question. Species identification is not the same as individualisation, and a method that works for one type of evidence may not work for another.

The main question is whether the remaining DNA can still answer the forensic question being asked.

I currently work as a Research Assistant in the Department of Genetics at the University of the Free State. The role includes student project support, laboratory work, troubleshooting, training of Honours students, data interpretation, documentation, and quality control.

• DNA extraction and quantification
• PCR and gel work
• Sequencing preparation
• DNA barcoding
• Microsatellite analysis
• Data interpretation
• Documentation and quality control

Teaching has also shaped the way I work. Through teaching-assistant experience, undergraduate genetics and forensic practicals, assessments, marking, and student support, I have seen how often a difficult idea becomes manageable when it is explained clearly and practised properly.

A clear explanation should keep the scientific detail needed to understand, test and use the idea.

The settings are different, but the way I think through the work is similar.

I value accuracy, clear communication and work that does what it claims.

A lot of my work happens independently, but I value honest collaboration. Good work improves when it is tested, questioned, corrected, and made more precise. That is true in laboratory work, thesis writing, teaching, software development, and business.

Testing and correction are part of my work in the laboratory, in writing and in software. Claims should match the evidence or the finished result.

My MSc is still in progress, but the long-term direction is already clear. I intend to continue into PhD research in wildlife forensics, with interest in DNA persistence in trafficked wildlife products and the interpretation limits that come with degraded, processed, and mixed samples.

I also want to continue working in education, research tools and technology development alongside the scientific work.