I am a mother of three, a wife, a psychiatric nurse and a deputy director of the school of nursing in MC. I started in NWU as a simulation laboratory manager in 2016 after a vast clinical and regulatory experience including Gauteng’s Mental Health Review Board. I then moved to a lecturer position where I have also been an undergraduate programme leader responsible for cor-ordination of teaching and learning. The school have recently been involved in the development of Post Graduate Diplomas (PGDips) in Nursing and I am part of the team that has developed these programs. I am hoping to continue using my expertise in curriculum development.

I belief in diversity, equity and inclusion. The presence of different types of people represent diversity, the process of ensuring equally high outcomes for all and removing the predictability of success or failure that currently correlates with any social, economic or cultural factor is equity. Inclusion is the process of putting diversity into action by creating an environment of involvement, respect and connection. Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals into processes, activities, and decision making in a way that shares power and ensures equal access to opportunities and resources yield inclusion.

I continue to participate in learning programs which has developed leadership interest in me. These include Foundations of Leadership in University,  Understanding Negative and Toxic Leadership including Diversity, Equity and inclusion. I continue to learn advanced responsibilities and create stability within the school and NWU as  an institution.

Management

I am currently the Deputy Director within the nursing school overseeing undergraduate teaching and learning. I participate in many faculty committees. I am a person of integrity, accountability, trustworthy, reliable and believe in fairness and justice. I also focus on creating a positive work environment that enables everyone within the school. I believe in people being themselves. By creating a safe space, colleagues are provided with an environment in which they can feel secure enough to discuss difficult and uncomfortable issues and develop skills and practices that are beneficial to themselves and professional careers.

Social responsibility
NW college of nursing is our scientific community. I served as an external moderator and in syllabus committee of modules of NW college of nursing. I am currently participating in both senate and college council committees of this college.

I am delighted to be the ambassador of women who lead. Dalai Lama once said, ‘Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay’.

Researcher qualifications

Dr Nothile Kunene holds the following qualifications: a PhD in Mathematics Education Primary; Master’s in Education: Specialty - Inclusive Education; Honours Bachelor of Education; Advanced Certificate in Education;  Higher Certificate in Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET); Diploma in Computers as well as a Teachers Diploma (PTD. Her main research focuses on (word) problem-solving, problem-based learning (PBL), assessment and cooperative learning. She is currently involved in Robotics and coding: for the 4IR: Towards self-directed multimodal learning.

Career Path

Dr Kunene has 13 years of teaching experience in the primary school education sector, which equipped her with knowledge and valuable skills (while teaching most subjects, such as Mathematics, Languages/ literacy, LO, life skills,  Natural Sciences, Arts & Culture, etc.) which she applies even as a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics education. Before she joined the NWU, she was a Head of Department (HOD) for Mathematics and other subjects in one senior primary school for almost three years. She joined the North-West University in December 2015 and are still in Higher Education for the past 8 years. Dr Nothile is deputy subject head who is also, a Mathematics senior lecturer in the School of Psycho-social Education (SPE) in the Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) subject group at the Faculty of Education at the Mahikeng campus of the North-West University. She has been and still is a module leader for some modules in the BEd Foundation Phase Mathematics modules. She has been lecturing the Mathematics Foundation Phase modules from year 1 to year 4 in the past 8 years to-date at the Mahikeng campus. She has been part of the national teams involved in programmes accreditation, evaluation and quality assurance as well as innovative teaching: Primary Teacher Education Project (PrimTEd) - Annual National Dialogue (2019), Foundation Phase Mathematics Workshop (National) - Strengthening Foundation Phase Teacher Education’ support programme. (2017 - DHET), Literacy and Mathematics Teacher Education National Symposium (2016). She is one of the ICT lecturer champion who attended amongst others: National SchoolNet Seminars – to improve in technology usage and its integration in the teaching and learning process (2017 and 2019), Education- Empowering Educators – Harnessing Technology for the 21st Century Learning (2023). Her PhD research study was based on a Grade 7 intervention on a topic in Mathematics: A Case Study of selected Grade 7 learners using Argumentative Frames for solving word problems.

Research experience

Nothile Kunene is a member of the Research Unit Self-Directed Learning (SDL), currently in the LOC committee that is organising the 7th International Self-Directed Learning Conference. She has received an Institutional Research Excellence Awards (IREA and IRICO), Emerging Researcher Award from NWU and a Research Unit award for her Project. She has published at the national level. She has presented Conference Papers Internationally and Nationally. She supervises Honours students as well as postgraduate students. She has professional association membership in the following statutory council(s) and professional bodies: South African Council for Educators (SACE), the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA), South African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SAARMSTE). She does academic and research work with other universities such as being an external examiner and moderator for the Fort Hare University, University of Free State (UFS), University of KwaZulu Natal, North West University, University of South Africa (UNISA). She has been on the programme advisory board (PAC) for an Honours Mathematics programme at the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA), where she is also a module evaluator/ assessor on Assessment in Mathematics. She officiated as a session convenor, in the 6th International Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Conference (1 – 3 November 2023) where she also co-presented 3 papers. The Research Unit for Self-directed learning has approved a project she leads which is due to be submitted to the NWU-EMELTEN-REC: Stemming the tide of barriers in Mathematics learning in resource-constrained learning contexts: The case of fostering Self-directed learning (SDL) skills to support senior phase teachers and learners in developing mathematical resilience.

Supervisory Experience and Academic Output

Nothile is currently co-supervising Post-graduation master’s student. She has successfully co-supervised to completion of one master’s student in 2022. She has presented papers nationally and internationally. She has published articles in Journals and Books (AOSIS).

Counselling Psychologist -Independent Practice

I am humbled and grateful for the fourteen years of experience working as a counselling psychologist. I am confident that my ethical conduct, experience, therapeutic orientation and emotional intelligence (all developed throughout my years in the field) strengthen my candidacy for positions that require mental health expertise.

Employment (most recent)
Head Psychologist | Manager - Student Counselling and Development Center - North West University , North West - Mahikeng

Responsibilities:

• Counselling and psychotherapy: Individuals, family, and groups
• Educational: Career counselling, developmental programs (i.e., life skill, goal setting, cognitive restructuring) for NWU registered students and learners (as per request by local schools,
• Office administration: Budget planning, procurement, (Oracle, Kuali Finance System) people management and administration, general office administration (i.e., front desk coordination, complaints/compliments box, regulation of OHS requirements)

Highest Qualification
Master’s in counselling psychology - University of the Free State, Free State - Bloemfontein

This is the root of my professional philosophy that ‘I am human first’, then I am all the other roles that I need to fulfill in my life.
The first year included teachings that introduced numerous theoretical frameworks and interventions. The second half of the first year opened the therapeutic space (individual and group sessions, workshop presentations, clinical and psychometric assessments) which included consultations with real-life clients. The second year, the internship year, shed light to challenges therapists experienced in multi-cultural context. The latter began to shape the therapist that I am today - sensitive to diverse cultures, however also optimistic about the good that psychotherapy can do in these cultures.

NWU LIS Manager: Research & Learning Services

In more than fifteen years of working as an academic librarian; I have held more responsible positions, presented a paper at a library conference, and trained student interns equipping them with different skills. With such experience, I have developed interpersonal skills for managing priorities and tasks with a high level of organizational skills.
My knowledge is based on Loan and Special Collections Services with experience in the areas of customer care and people management.

I am a Manager: Research & Learning Services effective from January 2024. My career commenced in September 1991 as a Library Assistant (Circulation Services) at the University of Fort Hare, I was multitasking in different sections within the library, which assisted me in gaining a lot of experience.

In 2003 I was appointed as an Information Librarian for a year contributing to information literacy skills, then in 2004, I was shifted from Information Services to going to Circulation Services as a Circulation Librarian.

In 2014 I presented a paper at the Innovative Users Group Conference, but it is an unpublished paper.

My career continued to flourish when I assumed the position of Head Librarian at Loan Services at North West University in 2016. In my role, I was leading and managing the section. The following year 2017, I was promoted to the role of Manager of Loan Services, demonstrating my flexibility and proficiency.
My academic achievements include my Honours Degree which I completed in 2020 with the University of South Africa.

Mrs Edwina Fransman’s experience in Higher Education includes administrator in the former NWU Department Academic Administration, administrative officer in the Department of Management Information Systems (MIS) and in 2009 appointed as Senior Management Information Specialist in MIS, where she was responsible for NWU Student Higher Education Information Management System (HEMIS) submissions to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), that enabled the calculation of subsidy income; and accountable for the calculation and management of the annual NWU Block grant funding of DHET through the MIS Funding financial model. She also managed the calculation and uploading of the annual NWU tuition fees. For close to five years from 2018, she served as Executive Personal Assistant to the DVC: Teaching and Learning.

She was appointed as Manager: Academic Grants Administration, from January 2023. Academic Grants Administration provide efficient resource and budget management, alongside monitoring and evaluation activities for the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) earmarked grants from the Department of Higher Educational and Training (DHET).

She obtained her BCom in Economy (Money and Banking) and Master of Business Administration at NWU and is currently pursuing a PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration.

Janelize Morelli is an Associate Professor in Music at North-West University (NWU) and an active MASARA Research Focus Area member. Her academic career is marked by her dedication to community music, posthumanist pedagogies, and the transformative power of musicking. Holding a PhD in Music Education from the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University, Professor Morelli has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise as an engaged scholar.

Professor Morelli has played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and pedagogical approaches within the School of Music. She has designed and implemented numerous undergraduate modules that integrate work-integrated learning and critical service learning, emphasising the importance of practical engagement in community music. Professor Morelli also developed the undergraduate curricula in community music in the Diploma in Music, BA Music and Society, and BMus programmes. Her leadership extends to managing the Musikhane Community Music Engagement Program, one of the country's longest-running community music education programmes.

Professor Morelli's leadership within the academic community is further exemplified by her involvement in various key committees and roles at North-West University. She has served as the Vice Chair of the Basic and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee, served as a committee member of the Faculty of Humanities Community Engagement, Business Development and Stakeholder Relationships Committee, and represented the Faculty of Humanities in the Digital Transformation of Learning Environments sub-committee. Professor Morelli currently serves as the Programme Leader for the School of Music's Diploma in Music and the Programme Leader for MASARA's Research Postgraduate Programme. In addition, she is also an active member of the AI Workgroup at North-West University.

Her scholarly contributions are widely recognised, with numerous publications in esteemed journals and edited volumes. She holds a Y-2 NRF rating. Prof Morelli's research has explored the role of music in fostering relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the ethical foundations of community music practice. As a co-primary investigator for the NRF-funded SoCoMe Research Project, she has contributed significantly to understanding the role of music in social cohesion. She is passionate about the environmental humanities and is currently exploring how music can be used to deepen our understanding of the climate crisis. In 2021, Professor Morelli and Professor Liesl van der Merwe were awarded the Faculty of Humanities Engaged Scholarship Award for their contributions to the SoCoMe project.

Prof Morelli's dedication to teaching excellence has been recognised with several awards, including the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2022) and the Teaching with ICT Award (2023). She is also a respected supervisor, guiding postgraduate students in exploring critical topics in music education and community music. She has contributed to successfully delivering eight master's students and two doctoral students.

Lesego Molale-Tom is an Associate Professor in the Microbiology Subject Group within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) at North-West University. Her research focuses on the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance in potential pathogens, with particular emphasis on aquatic and agricultural systems. In her academic role, Lesego teaches two microbiology modules: Microbial Physiology and Microbiology for Nursing Sciences. She is also a dedicated mentor, having successfully supervised six master's students and two PhD candidates to completion. Currently, she oversees the academic progress of one postdoctoral research fellow,  two PhD candidates, four master's students, and four honours students. Beyond her academic responsibilities, Lesego is deeply involved in community engagement and is committed to making scientific knowledge accessible to the public. She is one of the driving forces behind several flagship microbiology outreach programs, including Water Week, International Microorganism Day, and World Antibiotic Awareness Week. These initiatives promote awareness and education in microbiology, highlighting the relevance of academic research to public health and everyday life.

Lesego has held leadership positions at the North-West University, including serving as the Microbiology Subject Group Leader (2020-2023) and as a member of the NWU Senate Committee (2019-2022). She is currently the Representative Director of Lumegen Laboratories, a university-related spin-off entity. Additionally, she has held other leadership roles in co-curricular facets of academia, including serving as the Vice Chairperson of the IWA Young Water Professionals (2019-2021) and as the Acting Residence Parent of Kasteel Ladies Residence (September 2023 – February 2024). Her contributions to teaching and community engagement have been recognized with numerous FNAS awards, including a Faculty Teaching Award in 2022. Driven by a commitment to enhancing her leadership skills and competencies, Lesego recently completed an MBA degree, where she was also awarded a top student award for the International Business Issues module. She was recently appointed as one of the Women in Leadership Ambassadors at NWU and has completed several prestigious leadership development programs, including those at MIT Sloan, SARIMA, and the NWU Leadership Academy.

Academic qualifications:

1. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Sciences
2. Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Environmental Sciences
3. Bachelor of Science Honours (B.Sc. Hons.) in Environmental Sciences
4. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Environmental and Biological Sciences, Microbiology and Botany
5. Master of Business Administration (MBA, Cum Laude)

Executive Dean, Faculty of Engineering, North-West University

Prof. Liezl Van Dyk currently serves as the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at North-West University (NWU), a position she has held since September 2017. She is notable for being the first female dean of the NWU Faculty of Engineering. Her career spans over 27 years in the higher education sector, encompassing roles in teaching, research, and senior management. She has been registered as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) since 2011.
Since taking up her role as Executive Dean, Prof. Van Dyk has overseen significant changes within the Faculty of Engineering. This includes guiding the faculty through institutional restructuring and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Academic and Research Excellence: Prof. Van Dyk holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Stellenbosch University. In addition to her PhD, she holds two Master's degrees: a Master's of Engineering in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pretoria and a Master's of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering (with distinction) from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching Practice from the University of Pretoria. Her research, which earned her a rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa in 2016, focuses on the technology-enabled optimization of service systems. Throughout her career, she has supervised many final-year capstone projects, 17 postgraduate studies, and authored over 50 journal and conference articles. Her contributions span across fields such as health systems, technology-supported systems, engineering education, and systems engineering.

Programme Development and Innovation: Prof. Van Dyk has a strong track record in designing and rolling out new academic programmes. She was instrumental in planning, designing, developing, and implementing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral qualifications in Industrial Engineering at NWU. Additionally, she is currently driving the new Mining Engineering Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) at NWU. These efforts demonstrate her commitment to expanding and enhancing the faculty's educational offerings and ensuring they remain relevant and aligned with industry needs.

Championing Gender Equity in STEM: Prof. Van Dyk is an advocate for gender equity in STEM fields. She is involved in initiatives aimed at supporting and mentoring young women in engineering. Her efforts have contributed to an increase in female student enrollment and the appointment of more women to academic and leadership positions within the faculty.

Professional and Academic Engagements: Prof. Van Dyk has been actively involved in numerous conferences and academic events. She served as organizing chair and proceedings editor for the 6th SA-UNESCO Engineering, Science and Technology Conference in 2019 and the 28th Annual Conference of the SA Institute for Industrial Engineering in 2017. Recently, she accepted an appointment as Director of NWU Enterprises Pty. Ltd., showing her commitment to integrating academia and industry. Among her honors, she is an honorary fellow of the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE).
Prof. Van Dyk’s professional journey and leadership in engineering serve as an inspiration, particularly to young women aspiring to enter the field of engineering.

Professor Verona Leendertz joined North-West University (NWU) as a staff member in 2015, following her post-doctoral fellowships in South Africa and Finland. From 2015 to 2018, she held a dual appointment in the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Information Technology and the Centre for Teaching and Learning, where she led various projects focused on academic development and the scholarship of teaching and learning. During this time, she also participated in several internationally funded research projects.

In 2019, Professor Leendertz was appointed as the Research Director of TELIT-SA within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (F-EMS). She has supervised numerous master's and PhD students at both NWU and the University of Eastern Finland. In 2022, she was promoted to Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation in the F-EMS. She oversees the post-graduate programmes in the faculty and drives the strategic objectives of NWU for research and innovation. Even though she is in a leadership position, she continues her active involvement in innovative research, particularly in the application of technology in higher education.

As a female leader in higher education, Professor Leendertz is committed to mentoring aspiring women academics in South Africa. She has conducted workshops for HERS-SA in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and is currently mentoring female academics as part of a joint UK grant project between the University of Lincoln and the University of the Witwatersrand.

Dr. Mahlatse Innocent Maake-Malatji is a Senior Law Lecturer at the North-West University (NWU), teaching Constitutional Law and the History of South African Law. Mahlatse is a supervisor for LL.B research projects, LL.M, and Ph.D in law and development. Mahlatse holds an LL.B from the University of Limpopo, a Professional Master’s in Commercial Law, and a Doctorate in Commercial Law from the University of Cape Town (UCT). She is registered for a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education at the University of KwaZulu Natal. Mahlatse is presently a project leader for research on land claims under the supervision of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR) and a group leader for Legal Education under the auspices of the Southern African Law Teachers Association.

Mahlatse is also a member of the Higher Degrees Committee, Research and Innovation Committee, and the Faculty Board Committee at NWU. Her research interests are labour law, legal education, constitutional law, and human rights law, which she writes, publishes, and attends conferences with such interest. Mahlatse has worked as a law lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a law researcher at the Supreme Court of Appeal, an assistant and coordinator for a Labour Law module at UCT (Law@work), a research clerk at the Democratic Governance and Rights Unit at UCT and a junior researcher for a project Cases on Open Learning (COOL) a collaboration between the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching at UCT and the Department of Higher Education and Training. Mahlatse is involved in various community engagement projects as a leader and mentor.

Nomsa Roseline Mohosho is an accomplished academic with a strong focus on educational leadership, literacy development, and early childhood education. Currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership and Management, her research is centered on Literacy Leadership in Primary Schools. Her academic journey began with a Junior Primary Teachers’ Diploma in 1997, followed by a Higher Certificate in Adult Basic Education and Training. She furthered her education with an ACE in Educational Leadership (cum laude), a B.Ed. (Honours) in Educational Leadership and Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Management.
Nomsa has held various significant positions throughout her career. She has been a lecturer at North West University since July 2016, where she teaches various Sesotho language courses within the Education Foundation Phase. Prior to this this, she was a teacher for 18 years holding various positions from being a Foundation Phase teacher, the  Head of Department for the ECD/Foundation Phase, and she has also served as a Deputy Principal.

At North West University, Nomsa has taken on leadership roles including Deputy Subject Leader of African Languages, Programme Coordinator for the BEd/Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, and currently the Programme Leader for the Diploma in ECCE. Her work extends beyond her institution through collaborations on developing Sesotho and isiZulu reading materials for use in universities.

Her dedication to leadership development is evident through her participation in numerous leadership programs such as the NWU Leadership Academy, HELM Foundations of Leadership Programme, GIBBS Foundation Women as Leaders,  Stellenbosch Women in leadership course, and more. She is also involved in professional development, having completed courses in assessment and moderation, curriculum development, and ethical research practices.
Nomsa’s research interests include educational leadership and management, teacher education, and early childhood development. As a woman leader, she is committed to advocating for professional development opportunities that address the unique challenges faced by women, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and mentoring future leaders. Through her initiatives, she aims to inspire and empower women within her organization and beyond, driving lasting change.

Angeline Marokoane is a multilingual, award-winning broadcast journalist with a dynamic career spanning over a decade. She is celebrated for her versatile skill set, which extends beyond journalism into copywriting, marketing, and public relations, making her an expert in crafting compelling narratives and engaging diverse audiences. Fluent in English, Afrikaans, seSotho, and isiZulu, Angeline's ability to communicate across languages has been a significant asset throughout her career.

Angeline began her broadcasting journey at the community radio station East Rand Stereo/Oos Rand Stereo, where she spent nine years as a newsreader and presenter in both English and Afrikaans. Her dynamic on-air presence and ability to connect with listeners quickly set her apart in the industry. Beyond her role as a journalist, Angeline has earned a reputation as a skilled master of ceremonies, frequently invited to moderate and emcee high-profile events due to her natural charisma and fluency in multiple languages.

Currently, Angeline serves as a Communications Specialist at North-West University (NWU), where she excels in content creation, media coordination, and strategic communications. She leads the development of newsletters, expertly curating university and group news to reinforce key messaging. Angeline's writing expertise is evident in her contributions to various university publications, including Life@NWU, Alumni Magazine, and Research@NWU. As the editor of Impact@NWU, the community engagement newsletter, she plays a pivotal role in shaping its content and editorial vision.

A trusted collaborator and partner to internal NWU departments, Angeline provides expert communication support for change initiatives and departmental activities, ensuring all messaging is strategically aligned and effectively executed. She also coordinates media training sessions, webinars, and public events to enhance the university’s visibility and reputation.

Angeline manages relationships with external media agencies and develops comprehensive brand and communication strategies that extend beyond traditional campaigns. Her proactive approach to content creation and media relations ensures that all materials adhere to the highest standards and reflect the organization’s values.

In addition to her professional achievements, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics from the University of Johannesburg. This academic background has equipped her with a deep understanding of political dynamics and sharpened her analytical skills, allowing her to approach her work with a critical and informed perspective.

Angeline's passion for communication is evident not only in her writing but also in her public speaking engagements. She has been a sought-after speaker, known for her ability to connect with audiences from diverse backgrounds. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to storytelling have earned her numerous accolades in the media industry.

With her strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, and unwavering passion for storytelling, Angeline Marokoane continues to drive impactful communication strategies that enhance visibility, engage audiences, and strengthen the organisation's brand. Her work consistently inspires and sets a high standard for communications professionals everywhere, as she continues to seek new challenges and opportunities to grow as a communicator and leader.

Dr. Shanaé Theunissen is a committed leader, clinical psychologist, and lecturer at North-West University (NWU), where she currently serves as the Subject Group Leader for Psychology. After obtaining her MA in Clinical Psychology from Nelson Mandela University in 2015, she gained valuable experience working in the public and private sectors before transitioning to academia in 2019. She completed her PhD in 2023, developing a trauma-informed, strengths-based group intervention for female survivors of sexual assault. This research has had a significant impact on the community, providing a much-needed resource for survivors and contributing to the field of psychology.

In her leadership role, Dr. Theunissen is a pillar of support, offering mentorship to new staff and ensuring they feel reassured and supported. She also plays a crucial role in developing academic programmes, a role that significantly impacts the academic community, and fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment for research and teaching across the NWU's campuses. She emphasises teamwork and the professional growth of colleagues and students, ensuring the department operates cohesively to meet both academic and societal needs. Her focus is on empowering others to contribute meaningfully to the field of psychology and creating opportunities for collective success. She actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages research that responds to the community's needs.

As an advocate for women in leadership, Dr. Theunissen is dedicated to supporting the growth of female academics and professionals. Her selection as a Woman Ambassador for the NWU underscores her commitment to fostering an environment where women can thrive in leadership roles. She values inclusivity and strives to create spaces where diverse voices are heard and supported. Her approach to leadership is grounded in collaboration, integrity, transparency, and the continuous development of the people around her, making her a valued contributor to NWU’s broader academic community.

Research Interests:

My primary research interests lie at the intersection of materials science, computational physics, and space applications. I am particularly focused on developing and characterising advanced materials for use in extreme environments, such as space. My work aims to understand the fundamental properties of these materials and their interactions at the atomic and molecular levels, leveraging both experimental and computational techniques.

Key Research Areas:

• Materials for Space Applications:

Investigating materials suitable for use in space, particularly those that can withstand the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit. These materials are crucial for the development of space missions and the sustainability of space exploration.

• Computational Modelling:

Utilising computational fluid dynamics (CFD), molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory simulations to model and predict the behaviour of materials under various conditions.

• Innovative Teaching and Learning in Physics:

Developing and implementing innovative teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in physics education.

Projects include using gamification and flipped learning pedagogies to teach complex concepts in modern physics and special relativity.

Research Contributions:

• Publications:

Authored and co-authored several articles in reputable international journals, including IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science and the Electronic Journal of e-Learning.

• Presentations:

I have had the privilege of presenting my research findings at numerous international and national conferences, including the 15th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI) and the IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology. This international recognition underscores the relevance and impact of my work.
Invited speaker at the ICMS Fourth International Conference on Material Science in Tripura, India, 2024.

• Grants and Funding:

Successfully secured funding from various sources, including the National Research Foundation (NRF) and institutional grants.

Qualifications:

Doctoral Degree: University of the Western Cape, 2017; Master’s Degree (MSc): University of the Western Cape, 2010; Honours Degree (BSc(Hons)): University of the Western Cape, 2009 and an undergraduate Degree (BSc): University of Cape Town, 2005

Professional Associations include membership and affiliation with the South African Institute of Physics, the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NiTHeCS), the African Materials Research Society (AMRS) and Professional Practice and Foundations of Scientific Disciplines in the Unit for Data Science and Computing (NWU).

Rose Hayeshi (PhD) is a Professor and Director of the DSI/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform (PCDDP), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, South Africa. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry with research interests in preclinical testing for drug and vaccine development as well as in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.

Rose plays a key role in designing and managing preclinical animal studies for both the pharmaceutical industry and academic researchers. Working within interdisciplinary and inter-institutional teams, she leads the preclinical studies with a focus on GLP safety evaluations, contributing to various facets of drug and vaccine development. Her expertise in preclinical drug development is recognized externally in the form of collaborations, invitations to review funding applications and journal articles, moderate courses and examine theses/dissertations, deliver presentations and sit on discussion panels. Rose was recently named a finalist in the 2023/2024 NSTF-South32 Awards for making an outstanding contribution to Science Engineering Technology and Innovation in South Africa in the category of Management.

She has co-authored over 30 publications and three book chapters (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1836-2179). Prof Hayeshi has trained a number of postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
She has a vision towards enhancing preclinical drug development capability in Africa by providing more translational preclinical models and by training and mentoring researchers.