NRF 25 years: Patty Nokulunga Masuku

This year, the NRF is celebrating a major milestone in our history as we commemorate 25 years of Research, Innovation, Impact and Partnerships. It always gives us great joy to share the accomplishments and impact of the many students and researchers we have supported during various stages of their careers. We thank all participants for submitting their stories and hope you enjoy reading about their journey with the NRF.

Ms Patty Nokulunga Masuku is a Master’s student in Research Psychology at the University of Johannesburg. She received NRF funding for her Honours and Master’s studies.

How did your journey start?

During childhood, I never imagined a career in psychology for myself.

I started my journey in 2015 after completing my matric. In the past, I aspired to be a geologist, fascinated by earth sciences and the possibility of revealing the hidden mysteries beneath us. Nevertheless, my dreams were hindered by my low grades in maths and the physical sciences. Feeling discouraged and uncertain about my future, I spent three years on a break to determine my path. Throughout this time, I experienced a significant amount of confusion and uncertainty. It was a difficult period. Luckily, I had company on this journey. My sister gave extensive support, and we prayed together for direction. It was during these periods of reflection and spiritual exploration that I discovered a new path: psychology.

Filled with a newfound sense of purpose, I applied for a psychology program at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and was admitted in 2019. Back then, my understanding of psychology as a subject was limited, particularly in terms of the postgraduate options it offered. I mistakenly believed that my academic path would end after completing my undergraduate studies. Yet, as I continued to explore the course further, I started grasping the extensive range of the field and the requirements for achieving professional recognition in psychology.

The undergraduate program at UJ was very informative. It gave me a basic understanding and perspectives on human behaviour and mental processes. I grew more and more intrigued by the topic and its ability to have a genuine impact on people’s lives. Inspired by this new enthusiasm, I chose to pursue an Honours degree at UJ. Even though I was eager, I still didn’t realise the challenging path that lay before me.

I found my Honours year to be extremely difficult. Juggling academic responsibilities alongside personal challenges challenged my endurance and dedication. Despite the obstacles, I persisted and submitted my application for the Master’s program. When I got accepted, I felt proud and motivated all over again.

Currently, being a Research Psychology Master’s student, I can assert that this experience has been life-changing. The Master’s program has been enlightening, offering me a more profound insight into psychology and its real-world uses. I have gained additional knowledge and skills and I now have a complete understanding of the path I have taken. This encounter has enhanced my academic and professional life and made me stronger and more perceptive.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

Receiving financial assistance from the National Research Foundation (NRF) marked a major milestone in my academic career. I am extremely thankful to NRF for funding both my Honours and Master’s degrees. This assistance has enabled me to continue my education without the overwhelming weight of financial pressure. Originating from a situation where I received no financial assistance from my parents, the funding gave me the stability and tranquillity required to concentrate on my academic and personal development.

What is your area of expertise?

In my Honours year, I became very interested in the drinking behaviours of college students, particularly their connections to alcohol. This interest was sparked by my exposure to varsity life and observing how my close friends drink alcohol. The pandemic also motivated me to explore further the impact of limitations on social interactions on students’ alcohol consumption.

My Master’s research topic is The impact of limited physical interactions and alcohol access during the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol consumption among UJ students. The aim of the study is to determine how the alcohol consumption patterns of university students changed during the pandemic and the factors that may have influenced the level of alcohol consumption.

Why is your work/studies important?

My research aims to encourage responsible drinking and raise awareness of alcohol use, acknowledging the worldwide importance of this public health concern.

In my research, I seek to impact alcohol consumption policies directly by assessing their effectiveness in the face of the pandemic’s specific conditions. I aim to discover insights within the field of psychology regarding the behavioural dynamics of alcohol consumption to create effective intervention strategies.

In the end, my goal is to promote the welfare of people and communities, both within South Africa and worldwide.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements?

In 2021, one of my proudest moment was being recognised in the Faculty Dean’s Roll. I have not published any papers yet.

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