Dr Mariette van der Walt (nee Pretorius) is a science nerd with a PhD in Zoology, and a passion for cave-dwelling bats and writing. As a published scientist and National Geographic — NEWF Africa Refocused fellow, she has transitioned from academic research to science storytelling and currently works as a Science Communicator for GENUS, the Centre of Excellence In Palaeosciences based at the University of the Witwatersrand.