Jody Thorburn

Jody Thorburn grew up in Johannesburg and after completing high school, she moved to the Western Cape where she completed her BSc undergraduate (2022) and honours (2023) degrees in Biodiversity and Ecology at Stellenbosch University. Jody’s honours thesis was in the field of ecophysiology, specifically capturing the surface area of a diversity of lizards using 3D scanning technology to improve biophysical estimations in the face of climate change. Although her education in botany and zoology has equipped her with an in-depth understanding of the impact of climate change on the global environment, Jody is keen to expand her knowledge and explore climate change impacts on the social and economic sectors, and begin her career journey in sustainable development. Her current research interest lies in the relationship between climate change and human health, specifically looking at the impact of heat extremes, which are increasing in frequency and intensity, on overall human well-being. Beyond academics, Jody enjoys her time on the beach and going on hiking adventures, as well as spending quality time with family and friends.