Merling Phaswana
Johannesburg
Summary
Early-career researcher dedicated to addressing workplace-specific risks associated with cardiometabolic, mental health, and musculoskeletal conditions. Focused on developing innovative interventions that mitigate sedentary behavior and enhance physical activity, thereby improving health outcomes in alignment with global employee wellness priorities. Academic background includes significant insights into the interplay between body composition and cardiovascular health, complemented by extensive research on lifestyle factors contributing to obesity and hypertension. Currently serving as a full-time senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, actively involved in curriculum development and fostering interprofessional collaboration within healthcare while maintaining a strong commitment to advancing workplace health initiatives through impactful research and education.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Lecturer
University of the Witwatersrand
01.2024 - Current
- Conducted research projects leading to publications in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to academic knowledge base.
- Developed and delivered innovative curriculum for undergraduate courses in alignment with academic standards.
- Mentored junior faculty, enhancing teaching methodologies and promoting collaborative learning environments.
- Led curriculum review, implementing feedback mechanisms to continuously enhance course content and delivery methods.
Lecturer
University of the Witwatersrand
10.2018 - 09.2024
- Conducted individual research projects to actively contribute to institution's research work.
- Enhanced departmental reputation through publication of scholarly articles in esteemed academic journals.
- Mentored junior faculty members, sharing best practices in curriculum design and student assessment.
- Secured grant funding for departmental research projects, expanding resources available for student learning experiences.
- Designed innovative curriculum materials to support diverse learning styles and foster academic success.
Part-time -Junior Lecturer
University of Venda
01.2015 - 10.2018
- Developed and delivered engaging lectures on core subjects, enhancing student understanding and retention.
- Conducted research on educational methodologies, contributing to departmental strategies for continuous improvement.
- Improved student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and adapting to various learning styles.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback to guide improvement.
Education
Ph.D. - Biokinetics
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa07-2024
Master of Science - Biokinetics
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa07-2019
Bachelor of Science - Biokinetics
University of Venda
Polokwane, South Africa05-2014
Skills
- Course design and delivery
- Scholarly research and publication
- Student supervision expertise
- Committee leadership
- Proficient in presentations and writing
- Experienced with research software applications
- Establishing collaborative relationships
Timeline
Senior Lecturer
University of the Witwatersrand
01.2024 - Current
Lecturer
University of the Witwatersrand
10.2018 - 09.2024
Part-time -Junior Lecturer
University of Venda
01.2015 - 10.2018
Ph.D. - Biokinetics
University of The Witwatersrand
Master of Science - Biokinetics
University of The Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Science - Biokinetics
University of Venda
University Committee Involvement
- Faculty of Health Sciences Educational Technology Committee member
- Faculty of Health Sciences BHSc Committee member
- Research and Postgraduate Studies (RPGS) Committee member, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
- Teaching and Learning Committee member, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
- School of Therapeutic Sciences NRF funding applications task team
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
- Published 12 peer-reviewed journal articles (ISSN), including The Lancet.
- Google Scholar: h-index 4 with 59 citations.
- Successfully graduated 4 MSc students and 74 Honours students; currently supervising 3 PhD and 5 MSc candidates.
- Presented at 4 international conferences and 4 national conferences.
- Serving as a member of the ISBNPA NESI Committee since 2022.
- Reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed journals.
- Appointed as External Examiner for 5 MSc candidates and Internal Examiner for 9 MSc candidates.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION
- Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
- The International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress (ISPAH)
- The International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA)
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- Selected as Fellow for the 10th Physical Activity Measurement Seminar, Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, UK.
- Selected as Fellow for the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) Conference and PhD DoHaD Summer School, South Africa.
- Secured 7 research grants totaling R1,067,000.
- Promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2024.