Staff Profiles

PhD Biochemical Sciences, 2017, University of Surrey,UK

MSc Clinical Biochemistry,2013,University of Surrey, UK

BSc Medical Laboratory Sciences, 2009, University of Botswana

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology, 2005 Institute of Health Sciences,Gaborone

I am a Lecturer and Researcher at the  University of Botswana specializing as a Clinical Chemistry Lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences. I supervise BSc Medical Laboratory Sciences undergraduate students in their final year research projects and  MPhil/PhD in Medical Sciences students. My research interest is in understanding the role of cellular stress in health and diseases especially non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and cancer.

Clinical Chemistry I 

Clinical Chemistry II

MPhil/PhD in Medical Sciences 

Chemical Pathology

Role of ER stress in cardiovascular diseases diabetes 

Role of Selenium in Health 

The impact of HIV on cancer; the role of cellular stress

Co-Supervising MPhil/PhD students working on; 

-Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes escape mutations in recently HIV infected individuals 

-Metabolites signatures in Schistosomiasis 

1. Kasvosve I, Tshwenyego U, Phuthego T, Koto G, Zachariah M, Nyepetsi N.G and Motswaledi M.S, 2014, Serum ferritin concentration is affected by ferroportin Q248H mutation in Africans. Clinica Chimica Acts, 444, pg 257-259.
2. Maamoun H, Zachariah M, McVey J, Green F and Abdelali Agouni, Heme Oxygenase (HO)-1 Induction Prevents Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Endothelial Cell Death and Impaired Angiogenic Capacity. (In review-Biochemical Pharmacology).
3. Zachariah M, Maamoun H, Agouni A and Rayman MP, 2015. High Selenium intake is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Critical Role for Endoplasmic Reticulumn Stress. Heart. 101:A113

PhD Chemistry (BIUST, 2020 - 2023)

MSc Chemistry (BIUST, 2017 - 2019)

BSc Chemistry and Environmental Science (UB, 2012 - 2015)

BSc (Part 1) (BUAN, 2011 - 2012)

Dr. James Papiso Thomas Matshwele, known as “Jimmah,” was born in Serowe, Botswana, in 1993 and raised in Tlokweng. His early education at Batlokwa National School, Tlokweng CJSS, and Naledi Secondary School nurtured his strong aptitude for science. Despite the challenges of undiagnosed ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, his resilience and dedication led him to pursue a career in research and education. He began his academic journey at BUAN before transferring to the University of Botswana, where he earned a degree in Environmental Chemistry in 2015. He later completed his MSc and PhD at BIUST, specializing in bioactive transition metal complexes. He is currently a board member and chairman of the Research and Development Committee in the BITRI board and As Head of Applied Sciences at Botho University (2021–2023), he led curriculum development and supported interdisciplinary research. His work spans environmental chemistry, focusing on dye-sensitized solar cells, biodiesel production, and redox flow battery electrolytes, as well as bioinorganic chemistry, where he investigates metallodrug design and testing. Driven by Botswana’s Vision 2036 and the SDGs, Dr. Matshwele is committed to advancing scientific research and fostering impactful collaborations that contribute to global innovation.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses: 

General Chemistry

Bioinorganic Chemistry 

Main group Chemistry

Coordination Chemistry

Solid State Chemistry

Molecular Symmetry 

Bioinorganic Chemistry

• MetalloDrug Design, Synthesis, and Testing

Renewable Energy Technology

• Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
• Redox Flow Batteries
• Biodiesel Production
• Layered Transition Metal Oxides as cathode materials in solid-state batteries 

Green Nano Chemistry (New)

• Nanoparticles and Quantum Nanostructures for Health, Energy, and Environmental Applications

Bioinorganic chemistry
- Metallodrug design, synthesis, and testing
- Bio-inspired oxygen carriers
Renewable energy innovations

-(DSSCs, redox flow batteries, solid-state batteries, biodiesel)
Eco-friendly nanomaterials 
- Green nano chemistry for sustainable applications

1. Matshwele, James TP, Sebusi Odisitse, Ofentse Mazimba, Taye B. Demissie, Moses O. Koobotse, Daphne T. Mapolelo, Keagile Bati et al. "Cobalt Pyridyl Complexes Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial Properties, Mode of Action, and Molecular Docking Studies." Inorganica Chimica Acta (2024): 121911
2.  Matshwele, James TP, Mosimanegape Jongman, Taye B. Demissie, Moses O. Koobotse, Ofentse Mazimba, Daphne Mapolelo, Keagile Bati et al. "Reduction of Bacterial Folic Acid Production and Cell Membrane Disruption of Klebsiella pneumoniae by Two Amino Substituted Pyridyl Compounds: An Experimental and In Silico Approach." Chemistry Africa (2023): 1-11.,
3. Matshwele, James TP, Florence Nareetsile, Masego Tebogo, Ofentse Mazimba, Fortunate P. Masita, Lebogang Julius, Mosimanegape Jongman, and Sebusi Odisitse. "Physicochemical properties, crystal structures, antibacterial properties and in silico characterization of cobalt and copper metal complexes and their acido complex crystals with 4-chloromethylpyridine." Polyhedron 226 (2022): 11608

• Scopus:  https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57216181642

National Diploma in Secretarial Studies (NDSS)

PhD in Nursing Science (University of Pennsylvania) 

MNS Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (University of Pennsylvania)

MNS Parent and Child Nursing  (University of Botswana)

BNS (University of Botswana)

Dr. Matula is a passionate Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, a nurse educator, and a researcher. As a systems thinker, Dr Matula believes that change is necessary for the development and is always eminent in high-reliability organizations such as the health care industry and institutions of learning. As an educator, he ensures that students are prepared to think outside the box and challenge themselves to ensure that they find sustainable and effective means for learning and solving daily challenges. The intense desire for change and seeing opportunities for innovation also drive his research agenda on pediatric issues in Botswana, social determinants of health and patient informed health outcomes. The desire to bring change for Dr. Matula does not end in the classroom, as he continues to be an active member of the community and be a voice for change in many issues affecting children. Dr Matula teaches courses on pediatric and adolescents nursing, foundational nursing courses to both undergraduate and graduate nurses. Notably, Dr Matula was one of the frontline health care providers in response to COVID-19 stationed at Sir Kitumele Masire Teaching Hospital (SKTMH). Dr Matula is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), a nursing honor society, International Family Nursing Association (IFNA) and International Association of the Study of Pain (IASP). He is also a contributor to CHIFA- Child Health and Rights.

HIV/AIDS- equipping individuals health workers and non health workers about HIV/AIDS.

Fundamental Nursing Skills- Preparer lower level nursing classes on fundamental skills in nursing

Advanced nursing skills in Pediatrics for higher level of nursing classes

Pediatric Palliative care and pain management

Pediatric Pain Management IN LMIC

Escalation of care in pediatric care

Pediatric Palliative care in LMIC

Ehealth

Quality improvement and patient safety

Patient-centred health outcomes 

Implementation Research 

Adolescents mental health

Pain Management 

Childhood cancers

Practice changes 

Caregivers experience with chronic childhood illnesses 

Readmissions and Discharge planning

1. Matula S.T., Irving S. Y., Deatrick J.A., Steenhoff A.P., Polomano R.C. The perceptions and practices of parents and children on acute pain management among hospitalized children in two Botswana referral hospitals. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. Available online from 18 February 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2022.02.004.
2. Matula S.T., Irving S. Y., Deatrick J.A., Steenhoff A.P., Polomano R.C. (In press). The Incidence, Intensity, Assessment, and Management of Acute Pain in Hospitalized Children in Botswana manuscript. Journal of Pain Management Nursing. Available online 2 January 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2021.11.012
3. Matula, S.T., Polomano, R., Irving, S. (2018). The state of science in paediatric pain management practices in low-middle income countries: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 24 (6). e12695 https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12695
4. Kassaw, M.W., Matula, S.T., Abebe, A.M. Kassie, A.M., Abate, B.B. (2020). The perceived determinants and recommendations by mothers and healthcare professionals on the loss-to-follow-up in Option B+ program and child mortality in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. BMC Infectious Diseases, 20(1), 876

Masters in Religious Education

i am a lecturer in Religious Education with the University of Botswana since August 2019. Before i was with Serowe College of Education teaching Religious Education.

I teach Religious Education undergraduates teachers courses ELR 290, ELR 291,ELR 401, ELR 402, ELM 290.

Education especial those related to religious education topics.

Not yet

Maundeni, W., Dinama,B. & Boikhutso,K. (2012). How Faith-Based Organisations assist HIV/AIDS orphans with their Academic work: Botswana perspective. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(3)17-27.

Tapologo Maundeni received her PhD in Social Work at the University of Glasgow

She received her Masters in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin Madison

She received her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Botswana

Professor Tapologo Maundeni is a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of Botswana. She holds a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Madison, and a PhD from the University of Glasgow. She has published extensively on issues such as children and women’s rights; sexual and reproductive health, families, and HIV and AIDS. Her PHD thesis was on children’s experiences of divorce in Botswana. Professor Maundeni serves as a reviewer of manuscripts submitted for publication in various internationally renowned journals. Previous positions include: Head of the Social Work Department at the University of Botswana; External Examiner for the University of Witwatersrand; the Executive Secretary for OSSREA – Botswana Chapter; Member of the National Children’s Council; Chair of the research sub-committee of the University of Botswana's Gender Policy and Programme Committee (GPPC) as well as the Committee that reviewed the University of Botswana’s Sexual Harassment Policy. She also served as a consultant for international and national organizations such as UNICEF, UNESCO, as well as DIFD.  Her areas of specialization include: human rights, child and family welfare, gender and development, as well as HIV and AIDS.

Social with children and families 

Gender and development

Counselling 

Oral communication

HIV and AIDS courses

African-centered counselling strategies

Children's rights

Women's rights

HIV and AIDS

Gender and development

Sexual and reproductive health issues

African-centered counselling strategies

Residential Care for Children

Domestic Violence and Children

Divorce and Children.

Gender based violence

Gender issues

HIV and AIDS issues

Adoption

Human rights

Maundeni, T. (2013) Care for Children in Botswana: The Social Work Role. Social Work and Society, vol 11 (1), 1-7.

Maundeni, T. and Malinga-Musamba, T. (2013) The Role of Informal Caregivers in the Wellbeing of Orphans in Botswana: A Literature Review. Child and Family Social Work, vol 18, 107-116.

Maundeni, T. (2013) Early Childhood Care and Education in Botswana: A Necessity that is Accessible to Few Children. Creative Education, vol 4 (7) 1-6.

Maundeni, T., Malinga, T., Kgwatalala, D., and Kasule, K (2010) Cultural Adjustment of     International Students at an African University. Journal of Psychology in Africa, vol. 20 (1) 79-84.

Maundeni, T. (2010) Challenges Faced in the Implementation of Provisions of the United             Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in Botswana. Journal of Social       Development in Africa, vol. 25