Maria Marchetti-Mercer

Prof Maria Marchetti-Mercer is a Professor of Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and currently serves as Assistant Dean: Research for the Faculty of Humanities. She previously held leadership roles, including Head of the School of Human and Community Development (2012–2016) and Head of the Psychology Department at the University of Pretoria (2001–2011). Her expertise spans over 30 years in training clinical psychologists, with a focus on family therapy.

Educational Background: BA, BAHons, DLitt et Phil (University of Johannesburg), MA (Clinical Psychology). She has advanced training in family therapy from Italy.

Research Interests: Migration’s impact on families, transnationalism, family therapy, mental health, and the role of ICTs in maintaining family ties. Recent work includes co-editing Transnational Families in Africa and co-authoring The Italian Diaspora in South Africa, exploring identity and belonging among diasporic communities.

Scientific Recognition: A C1 NRF-rated researcher, she received the 2008 award for contributions to school-based family counseling and the Order of the Star of Italy (2022) for professional excellence. Her research bridges migration studies, technology, and mental health, particularly in South African contexts.

Labs/Teams: Her work is affiliated with Wits’ School of Human and Community Development and the Faculty of Humanities. Her research often collaborates with international institutions, such as the University of San Francisco.