Dr Carolyn Chisadza completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Zimbabwe and obtained her PhD in Economics from the University of Pretoria (UP). She has been lecturing in UP’s Department of Economics since 2017.

Dr Chisadza says that UP is an excellent research-focused institution and that her department provides her with the resources, environment and latitude to conduct research in her field of expertise.

Her field of research contributes to the betterment of the world because understanding the dynamics of institutions within economies – such as political (democracies), social (gender, ethnic, racial) or historical (slave trade, colonialism) institutions – may provide valuable insights that can inform policies and contribute to economic development
Within her academic discipline, Dr Chisadza is involved in the following research studies, to name a few: openness and quality of life in South Africa; ruggedness and child health outcomes in Africa; social connectedness and well-being; social capital and protests in the US; and access to technology and women empowerment.

A recent highlight for Dr Chisadza was having research that she had conducted with two colleagues included in a meta-analysis that made waves on social media in Europe and the US. The study focused on government effectiveness during COVID-19 lockdowns and reduced mortality. “We received several calls and emails from various media houses abroad!” she says.

Dr Chisadza hopes her research will make a difference to the well-being of society.
Her advice to school learners or undergraduates who are interested in her field is to consider pursuing a postgraduate degree and to read as much as possible about their field of interest.

In her free time, she loves walking in nature, travelling and baking.