By Oldrin Masowa

Although the words ‘charisma’ and ‘sharks’ are not often used in the same sentence, Prof Serena Lucrezi believes that the charisma of sharks can be the centre of attraction for shark tourism.

That is indeed the focus of project “Brand South Africa” she and her research team from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) recently launched.

Prof Lucrezi and her team are excited about shark tourism, and their latest project focuses on the interaction between sharks and humans.

They recently visited the Scubaversity Dive Club, a large diving school based in Gauteng, to share their expertise about shark tourism, the importance of safety, and the conservation of sharks.

Her face is alive with excitement and passion as she explains more about their research projects.

In fact, this Italian-born scientist fell in love with research at the age of 18, and soon thereafter enrolled for her honours degree in zoology at the University of Dundee in Scotland. Since then, she has never looked back.

Despite conducting various projects and authoring more than 50 scientific papers published internationally, research about sustainable scuba diving remains her favourite.

She recalls vividly her first research project as a PhD student in environmental studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

“I had to conduct research on the impact that marine-based activities – including coastal and offshore tourism and recreation, marine governance and destination management – have on sandy beaches. I was hooked!”

“After finishing my PhD, I stayed in Australia and worked for a non-profit organisation which focused on human science by engaging individuals in scientific activities, and collecting data for academic institutions,” adds Prof Lucrezi.

In 2011 she joined the NWU’s research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (Trees), where she also enrolled for a postdoctoral fellowship. She was later appointed as a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

She says she is grateful to have been affiliated with various institutions – nationally and internationally.

“If it was not for the NWU I do not think I would have achieved as much. Being part of this institution has helped me to connect with my home country and to collaborate with various organisations such as the National Research Foundation and the South African National Parks.”

Asked what the keys to her success are, she shares the following: “What drives me is my love for research, education, community engagement and a passion for environmental conservation.”

Her wish for other young people? “Be serious about what you want to do, show commitment, be disciplined, and remember that every sacrifice will be worth it to get where you want to be.”

Prof Serena Lucrezi