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Dr Jennifer Pienaar is a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ (Æß²ÊÖ±²¥) and serves as the Undergraduate Admissions Tutor for the BSc Biomedical Science programme. She is also Co-Chair of the School of Allied Health Sciences Learning and Teaching Group, contributing to the strategic development of education and student experience within the School.

Dr Pienaar holds a Doctorate in Biomedical Technology from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Empowering Education from Æß²ÊÖ±²¥. Her professional career began in a diagnostic medical laboratory, where she worked as a Biomedical Scientist before progressing to Acting Haematology Supervisor and subsequently Quality Manager.

She later joined the University of Johannesburg as a Lecturer in Haematology and Transfusion Science, advancing to Senior Lecturer during her seven years at the institution before joining Æß²ÊÖ±²¥. Dr Pienaar is a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (FIBMS) and a Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA).

With over 13 years of teaching experience, her expertise spans haematology, transfusion science, and pathophysiology. She is committed to delivering research-informed teaching that prepares students for careers in biomedical science and related healthcare professions.

Dr Pienaar’s research background includes medical microbiology, photobiomodulation, and adult stem cell differentiation. Her current research focuses on the potential role of natural compounds and complementary therapies in leukaemia. She also has a strong interest in bioscience education research, particularly in the areas of game-based learning, gamification, and innovative approaches to student engagement and learning.

Leicester Institute for Pharmaceutical and Health Innovations

• Tsheola, E. Pienaar, J., Kruger, W. (2024) Analysis of internal audit non-conformances at non-accredited public health laboratories in Gauteng province of South Africa. Journal of Medical Laboratory Science & Technology of South Africa. 6(2): 22-30 ;
• Muleba, L.; Van Wyk, R.; Pienaar, J.; Ratshikhopha, E.; Singh, T. (2022) Assessment of Anti-Bacterial Effectiveness of Hand Sanitizers Commonly Used in South Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 19: 9245
• Suliman, Z., Kruger, W. and Pienaar, J. (2020) Continuing professional development (CPD): A necessary component in the workplace or not? Journal of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology of South Africa. 2(1): 41-45
• Pienaar, J., Singh, A. and Barnard, T. (2020) Membrane modification as a survival mechanism through gastric fluid in non-acid adapted enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). Microbial Pathogenesis. 144: 104180
• Chota, A., Kruger, W. and Pienaar, J. (2019) Immunotherapy for Treatment of Resistant Cancer. Journal of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology of South Africa. 1(4): 18-24
• Pienaar, J., Singh, A. and Barnard, T. (2019) Acid-happy: Survival and recovery of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in simulated gastric fluid. Microbial Pathogenesis. 128: 396–404
• Pienaar, J., Singh, A. and Barnard, T. (2016) Exploratory study into the culturability and viability of three strains of Escherichia coli after exposure to simulated gastric fluid of sub-lethal pHs. Medical Technology SA. 30(1): 36-44
• Pienaar, J., Singh, A. and Barnard, T. (2016) The viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state in pathogenic Escherichia coli: A general review. African Journal of Laboratory Medicine. 5(1): 1-9.
• de Villiers, J.A., Houreld, N. and Abrahamse, H. (2011) Influence of Low Intensity Laser Irradiation on Isolated Human Adipose Derived Stem Cells Over 72 Hours and Their Differentiation Potential into Smooth Muscle Cells Using Retinoic Acid. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports. 7:869–882.
• de Villiers, J.A., Houreld, N. and Abrahamse, H. (2009) Adipose Derived Stem Cells and Smooth Muscle Cells:  Implications for Regenerative Medicine. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports. 3(5): 256-265.
• Abrahamse, H., de Villiers, J. and Mvula, B.  (2009) The Effect of Laser Irradiation on Adipose Derived Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation. Proceedings of the International Congress Laser Medicine and Surgery. Laser Florence. 1142: 53-63.
• de Villiers, J.A., Khumalo, F., Sefalafala, S., Nelson, L.R. and Abrahamse, H. (2008) The Effect of Laser Irradiation on Wounded Mycotoxin Exposed Human Skin Fibroblast Cells. Medical Technology SA. 22(2): 7-14

Haematology; Transfusion Science; Stem cell biology; Medical microbiology 

Main areas: Haematology, Transfusion Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Cancer Biology, Pathobiology.

Doctor Technologiae Biomedical Technology (University of Johannesburg); Magister Technologiae Biomedical Technology (University of Johannesburg); Baccalaureus Technologiae Biomedical Technology (University of Johannesburg); PGCert Empowering Education

Anatomy and Physiology (Biomedical Science BSc; Medical Science BSc); Blood Science (Biomedical Science BSc); Advanced Biomedical Science Specialism (Advanced Biomedical Science MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert); Advanced Pathobiology and Diagnostics (Advanced Biomedical Science MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert)

Donald Alexander Haematology Award for excellence in the field of haematology (teaching of haematology). Awarded by SMLTSA (2017).
National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Tambo Memorial Best Technical Staff Award (2012).
University of Johannesburg Alumni Award (Top 20 students of the Faculty of Health Sciences for the September/October 2010 Graduation series) (2011).
Joseph Award for the Best Paper Published in the Journal, Medical Technology, SA (2009).
Whitehead Scientific Travel Award (2009).

Current:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (July 2026 – present). 
• Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (July 2021 – present). 
• Member of Mensa Britain, Leicestershire Chapter (September 2020 – present).
• Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society (2011 - present).

Previous:

• Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (January 2010 – February 2022). 
• Member of Mensa South Africa, Johannesburg region (September 2012 – September 2020). 
• Committee member of the Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA) e’Goli branch (March 2016 – March 2020). 

Biomedical Technologist certification - Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 
Board certification in Medical Technology: Clinical Pathology - Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA).

Investigation into possible anti-neoplastic effects of Moringa oleifera fractionated extracts on haematological malignancies

• Pienaar, J., Martin, N., Hansell, E., Davis, A and Morris, M. (2026) The use of Game-Based Learning in Bioscience education: Student perceptions. 2026 University of Johannesburg Biomedical Sciences Symposium: Transforming Healthcare Through Biomedical Sciences. 21/09/2026. Johannesburg, South Africa. Oral presentation (online).
• Pienaar, J. (2026) Potential of Moringa oleifera extracts for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The Future of Phytochemistry - A Young Scientists Meeting (Phytochemical Society of Europe). 22/06/2026 - 24/06/2026. Leicester, United Kingdom. Oral presentation.
• Tsheola, E. Pienaar, J., Kruger, W. (2024) Navigating laboratory accreditation: Strategies based on the analysis of internal audit non-conformances in non-accredited laboratories in Gauteng, South Africa. ASLM2023 Conference. 14/12/23. Cape Town, South Africa. Oral presentation.
• Muleba. L., Van Wyk, R.H., Pienaar, J., Singh, T. (2020) Assessment of anti-bacterial effectiveness of hand sanitisers commonly used in South Africa. National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) Research Day. 19/11/20. Johannesburg, South Africa. Poster presentation.
• Muleba. L., Van Wyk, R.H., Pienaar, J., Singh, T. (2020) Assessment of anti-bacterial effectiveness of hand sanitisers commonly used in South Africa. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2020 Virtual Symposium, 19/11/20 – 20/11/20. Oral presentation.
• Pienaar, J.A., Singh, A., Barnard, T.G. The influence of pH in simulated gastric fluid on morphology and membrane lipid composition in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. SMLTSA Laboratory Medicine Congress (LMC). 25/10/2019 – 27/10/2019. Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Oral Presentation (presented by E. Chizenga).
• Pienaar, J., Singh, A. and Barnard, T.G. Survival and Recovery of non-acid adapted commensal and enterotoxigenic E. coli in a simulated gastric environment. 33rd World Congress of the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS) Conference. 18/09/2018 to 30/09/2018. Palazzo dei Congressi of Firenze, Florence, Italy. Poster Presentation.
• A. Singh, J. Pienaar and T.G. Barnard. Out of the Water and into the Host: Bacterial Response to Simulated Gastric Fluid. IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2018 (IWA WWE 2018), Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Big Sight, 16 -21 September 2018. Oral Presentation (presented by A. Singh).
• Pienaar, J.A., Singh, A., Barnard, T.G. The influence of pH on membrane lipid composition, metabolic viability and proliferation of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in Simulated Gastric Fluid. SMLTSA Laboratory Medicine Congress (LMC). 19/05/2017 – 21/05/2017. Olive Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa. Oral Presentation.
• Pienaar, J.A., Singh, A., Barnard, T.G. Survival Responses of Enteropathogenic and Enterotoxigenic E. coli in Simulated Gastric Fluid of Various pHs. South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SASBMB) Congress. 10/07/2016 – 14/07/2016. East London International Convention Centre, East London, South Africa. Oral Presentation.
• Pienaar, J.A., Singh, A., Barnard, T.G. Exploratory study into the culturability and viability of three strains of Escherichia coli after exposure to simulated gastric fluid of sub-lethal pHs. SMLTSA Medical Laboratory Professionals (MLP) Congress. 15/05/2015 – 17/05/2015. Boardwalk Convention Centre, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Oral Presentation.
• de Villiers, J.A., Houreld, N.N. and Abrahamse, H. The Effect of Low Level Laser Irradiation on Isolated Adipose Derived Stem Cells – an In Vitro Study. SMLTSA Path Tech 2009 Congress. 07/09/2009 - 10/09/2009. International Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa. Oral Presentation.
• de Villiers, J.A., Houreld, N. and Abrahamse, H. The Effect of Laser Irradiation on Adipose Derived Stem Cells in the Expression of β-Integrin and Thy-1. World Association of Laser Therapy (WALT) conference. 20/10/2008. Sun City. Gauteng. South Africa. Oral Presentation.

• J. Murphy, PhD; Second supervisor
• L. Akingbade, PhD; Supervisor
• M. Okereson, MRes; Supervisor
• A. Saleem, MRes; Supervisor

• Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Research Development Grant (for Sabbatical Leave) (2017).
• National Research Foundation (NRF) Innovation Doctoral Scholarship (83764) (2013-2015).
• Ernst and Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary (2009; 2013; 2014).
• University of Johannesburg (UJ) University Research Committee (URC) Grant (SM031706) (2014).
• UJ Supervisor Linked Masters Bursary (2008 and 2009).
• NRF Grant Holder Linked Masters Scholarship (65858) (2008 and 2009).
• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Masters Grant (2009).
• NRF Scarce Skills BTech bursary (2007).

• Reviewer for Heliyon (Cell Press) (2022 - present)
• Reviewer for Microbiology Open (Wiley) (2020 – present)
• Reviewer for Journal of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology of South Africa (2019 - present)
• Reviewer for Medical Technology South Africa (2015 – 2018).