Nadene Marx-Pienaar
Dr. Nadene Marx-Pienaar is a distinguished academic and lecturer in the Department of Consumer and Food Sciences at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. With a profound commitment to advancing the field of Consumer Science, Dr. Marx-Pienaar has achieved a notable academic portfolio that includes a PhD in Consumer Science that focussed on sustainability of consumers’ waste practices amidst concerns about climate change. Her academic journey is underpinned by a deep dedication to research, education, and the dissemination of knowledge.
Throughout her career, Dr. Marx-Pienaar has been actively involved in a wide range of research activities and community engagement, which are highlighted by her involvement with various industry partners, non-profit organisations such as SA Harvest as well as notable NGO’s such as the CSIR and WRSETA. Her passion and commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship started in 2003 when she championed UP’s first ever green movement GreenUP. This dedication is still ongoing and is currently echoed in her latest endeavour “Up-Cycle” 2023/24.
Her contributions to the academic community are further recognized through her NRF Y Rating, indicating her potential to establish herself as a researcher of considerable international standing.
Dr Marx-Pienaar's scholarly work is expansive, encompassing numerous publications exploring critical issues related to consumer behaviour, sustainable consumption more specifically food wastage. Her research advances academic discourse and addresses pressing societal challenges, aiming to foster more sustainable and conscious consumption patterns among consumers.
In her role as an educator, Dr. Marx-Pienaar is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of consumer science professionals. In 2022 she was acknowledged by the UP as an exceptional lecturer and received the NAS Teaching and Learning award. She leverages her extensive research and industry experience to provide students with a rich learning environment where theory and practice converge to inspire innovation and critical thinking. Her teaching philosophy underscores the importance of experiential learning, encouraging students to engage directly with the complexities of the consumer science field.
Dr. Marx-Pienaar's academic memberships and her active engagement in research projects underline her commitment to the continuous advancement of knowledge in her field. Her dedication to education, research, and the broader academic community positions her as a respected figure in consumer science, making significant contributions to the understanding of consumer behaviour, sustainability, and food systems.