Dr. Hema Kesa holds a Doctorate and a Master's degree in Food Service Management, with a specialization in Community Nutrition, as well as an MSc in Food and Nutrition Security. She is the Director of the Food Evolution Research Laboratory (FERL) at the University of Johannesburg, where she oversees postgraduate research and lectures in Community Nutrition. Her primary research interests lie in food and nutrition security, particularly in understanding the dynamics of Nutrition Transition, promoting South African indigenous crops, and managing food waste in both schools and the hospitality sector.

In addition to her academic work, Dr. Kesa serves as a council member for the Nutrition Society of South Africa (NSSA), contributing to the country’s nutrition policies and initiatives. Under her leadership, FERL plays an essential role in advancing nutritional awareness within communities by utilizing cutting-edge tools such as Extended Reality (XR) technology and mobile applications to enhance education and engagement.

Through her work, Dr. Kesa aims to bridge gaps in food security, advocating for the integration of traditional food systems and sustainable practices. She is deeply committed to fostering a healthier, more informed society, where technology and indigenous knowledge come together to address critical nutritional and societal challenges.