Biosketch
Prof. Pragashnie Govender, an Occupational Therapist and Full Professor, brings over two decades of distinguished experience across multiple sectors, including public health, private healthcare, specialised education, and higher education. Her journey, which began as a first-generation graduate, has seen her rise from tutor to full professor, inspiring a range of students and professionals alike. Prof Govender holds the following qualifications
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- Masters of Occupational Therapy
- PhD (Health Sciences)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education and Leadership
Moreover, she has multiple national and international certifications in multiple areas of practice. Prof. Govender is highly respected within her profession and the academy at large. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Prof. Govender has been instrumental in training both undergraduate and postgraduate health science students, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the highest standards of ethical and professional integrity. Her dedication to teaching is evident in her mentorship of students across different levels, fostering a commitment to compassionate care and ethical practice as they step into their careers. Currently serving as the Academic Leader of Research within the School of Health Sciences, Prof. Govender’s influence extends across eight professional disciplines, where she ensures the integrity of both postgraduate programmes and research endeavours. With an initial NRF-Y-rating and current C2-Rating, her scholarly work has led to over 100 peer-reviewed outputs and numerous accolades, including the following prestigious research awards:
- First Runner Up: South African Women in Science Awards (Established Woman) (2024)
- Winner: National Research Foundation Research Excellence Award for Early Career Researcher – Natural Sciences (2021)
- Finalist: National Science and Technology Foundation (2020 and 2022)
- First Runner Up: South African Women in Science Awards (Distinguished Young Woman) (2018)
- Winner: National Research Foundation Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers (2016)
Prof. Govender’s work and footprint extends beyond the academy in how she enacts her role as a practitioner, researcher and contributing member of society.
Research Interests
Occupational Therapy Practice across a number of areas with a strong interest in implementation science and in using various methodologies.
List of Publications
Pragashnie Govender (researchgate.net) Pragashnie Govender – Google Scholar
Other
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (UKZN)
- Master of Occupational Therapy (UKZN)
- PhD Health Sciences (OT) (UKZN)
- PG Diploma in Health Professions Education and Leadership (FPD)