Empowering the Future: Meet the Doctoral students of the SAWiSA DSTI–Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri Fellowship

The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) not only celebrates excellence among distinguished and emerging women scientists — it also paves the way for the next generation of innovators. Meet the brilliant doctoral candidates shaping the future of science in South Africa.
Ms Nadine du Piesanie obtained a master's degree in Consumer Sciences in 2022 and is currently pursuing a PhD in Consumer Science at UP. Her research focuses on enhancing food literacy among Generation Alpha in South Africa through gamified tools, social media engagement and intergenerational learning. Her work explores how innovative, interactive strategies can shape consumer behaviour, empower families to make healthier food choices and preserve culinary heritage. By integrating behavioural science, gamification and public engagement, Ms Du Piesanie's research aims to influence education policy and marketing approaches in support of food literacy in the digital age. Through her interdisciplinary and socially impactful research and her role as an Assistant Lecturer at UP, she is addressing systemic barriers in health and education while also serving as a role model for young women in science.
Ms du Piesanie was awarded second place at the 2024 e-Learning Excellence Awards and received an Emerging Scholar Award from the Food Studies Research Network (2025). She has authored an article currently under review in Food Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal. She has presented at the European Conference on e-Learning and the International Conference on Food Studies. Nationally, she has showcased her work at the Nutrition Society of South Africa Congress and the Natural and Agricultural Sciences Research Symposium at UP. Her work represents a dynamic intersection of science, education and social impact.