Dr. Petronella Nondumiso Nompilo Machimana, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Dr. Petronella Machimana is a Principal Research Psychologist and Head of Psychometric Research and Development at the Military Psychological Institute, South Africa. With a PhD in Curriculum and Instructional Design from the University of Pretoria, her expertise spans psychometric test development, multicultural testing, and mental health. Dr. Machimana is a prolific researcher with notable publications in psychometrics and language learning strategies. Recognized for her excellence in training and supervision, she holds multiple awards, including Best PhD Completed Research (2021). She is an active member of the Psychological Society of South Africa and the International Test Commission. ✨📊
Publication Profile
Google Scholar
Educational Background 🎓📚
Dr. Petronella Nondumiso Nompilo Machimana holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instructional Design and Development (2020) from the University of Pretoria, focusing on language-learning strategies among English second-language learners in peer tutoring. She earned an MA in Research Psychology (2009) from the University of the Western Cape, studying advanced research methodologies and health psychology. Dr. Machimana completed her BA Honours in Psychology (2008), emphasizing psychological assessment and interventions. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership (2005) from Cornerstone College, specializing in psychology, group therapy, and counseling. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in research and applied psychology. 🧠📖
Professional Experience 🧠📊
Dr. Petronella Nondumiso Nompilo Machimana is a seasoned psychologist with extensive experience in psychometric research and development. Currently serving as Head of Department at the Military Psychological Institute (2023–present), she oversees the development and quality control of psychological assessments and ensures ethical personnel selection criteria. Previously, she was a Research Psychologist and intern supervisor (2011–2020), contributing to psychometric test validation and training interns. At UNISA (2019–2021), she marked Master’s research assignments. Earlier roles include Research Assistant at the University of the Western Cape (2009), where she excelled in data analysis and research presentation. 🌟📑
Awards and Achievements 🏆🌟
Dr. Petronella Nondumiso Nompilo Machimana has received numerous accolades for her exceptional contributions. In 2022, she was honored as the Best Medical Course of Action Student and Best Academic Student during the Medical Task Group Course. Her PhD research was recognized as the Best Completed Research by the University of Pretoria in 2021. Additionally, she earned an Excellence Award in 2019 from the Military Psychological Institute for her outstanding training and supervision of internships. These achievements highlight her dedication to academic excellence, research, and mentorship in psychology and beyond. 🎖️📚
Research Focus
Dr. Petronella Nondumiso Nompilo Machimana’s research primarily centers on language learning strategies, socio-cultural influences, and educational innovations. Her work explores English second-language learning through peer tutoring, translanguaging, and multimodal approaches, focusing on improving educational outcomes. She also examines gender roles in African households, linking theology and psychology. Additionally, her studies address HIV-related risks like alcohol misuse in youths and psychosocial factors such as anxiety and social support among adults with HIV/AIDS. Her interdisciplinary research bridges language education, public health, and cultural studies, contributing significantly to these fields. 📚🌟🧠
Publication Top Notes
- Gender role changes in African households: A challenge to theology and psychology – Cited by: 6 (2023) 📘🌍
- Language Learning Strategies of High and Low Performing Second Language Learners: A Socio-Cultural Perspective – Cited by: 4 (2022) 📖🌟
- Language-Learning Strategies of English Second-Language Learners Participating in Peer Tutoring – Cited by: 2 (2020) 📚💬
- Translanguaging in the classroom: A strategy for English First Additional Language learning – (2024) 📝✨
- Centering Indigenous Knowledge through Multimodal Approaches in English First Additional Language Learning – (2024) 🌟🌐
- HIV-Infections in Male Youths: Risks Associated with Alcohol Misuse – (2021) ⚕️🍷
- Language-Learning Strategies of English Second-Language Learners Participating in Peer Tutoring (Thesis) – (2020) 📘🧠
- Examining Anxiety and Social Support in Adults Diagnosed with HIV or AIDS in the Western Cape Province – (2010) ❤️🩹💬