Agriculture and Science

Dr Vino Paideya is a Senior Lecturer and First-Year Coordinator in the Discipline of Chemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Chemistry and a PhD in Chemistry Education. Her academic trajectory reflects a deep commitment to improving the teaching, learning, and overall success of first-year university students.

Dr Paideya is a certified Supplemental Instruction (SI) Academic Support Supervisor through the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC), and she currently serves on the National SI Advisory Board. In these roles, she contributes to shaping SI practice and expanding national capacity for peer-learning models in higher education.

Dr Paideya’s research interests centre on first-year student experiences, chemistry education, student academic support programmes, including SI and the integration of digital technologies in teaching and learning. She has a strong focus on evidence-based approaches that enhance student engagement, academic support structures, and student success pathways in the discipline of Chemistry. Her postgraduate students have undertaken research projects in these areas of interest.

In addition, Dr Paideya has collaborated extensively with the UKZN Teaching and Learning Office on several institutional research projects focused on student academic support. Her work continues to inform institutional strategy and strengthen the university’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality teaching and learning environments