Founding Members

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Director of Corporate / Private / Social Investment & Governance

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Dr. Alexander H. Parkinson combines exceptional academic prowess with proven corporate leadership. Holding a PhD in Paleontology from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has achieved notable success in both the scientific community and the business world.

Alexander has carved a distinguished path in palaeontology, having described several unique species of trace fossils. His research focuses on the taphonomic significance of insect-related bioerosion in bone. His extensive research has not only furthered the field of palaeosciences but also enriched understanding at the intersection of natural history and heritage conservation. 

Beyond academia, Dr. Parkinson has played various consultative and/or operational roles for World Class MultiNationals Organisations across the private sector. Including, Lee R. Berger Foundation for Exploration, National Geographic, Toyota, First National Bank, and Malonip Pty Ltd. His experiential leadership excels in fostering international collaborations and driving initiatives that bridge public and private sector interests in research. 

Dr. Parkinson applies his expertise to advance innovative research and sustainable practices in the wellness landscape. He actively cultivates strategic partnerships that bolster the foundation’s mission, ensuring that the contributions of African psychedelic research to mental health and neurological studies are impactful and recognized globally.

Director of Research, Innovation, Social Impact and Sustainability

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Dr. Regis Wilson, a profound scholar and philosopher, with a rich academic background in Political Science, his expertise spans ethical management, cultural diversity, and policy analysis, all underpinned by a deep philosophical inquiry into social phenomena. 

Dr. Wilson completed his PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his research on paradiplomacy illuminated new approaches to governance and capacity building at a provincial level. His dissertation not only showcased his analytical prowess but also his commitment to practical solutions for governance and ethical issues.

His interest in the metaphysical and cultural implications of death and dying intersects intriguingly with his research into entheogens and their potential utility for mental health and grief—a pioneering area within psychedelic studies. 

Dr. Wilson's professional journey includes significant contributions as a co-founder and manager at Mycopro Pty Ltd, where he spearheads research and social impact initiatives in the realm of sustainable development and mycology. 

His work with various international and local organizations, such as Oxford University and the Johns Hopkins Global Infectious Disease Ethics Collaborative, underscores his global perspective and commitment to ethical research practices. 

Dr Wilson is driven by a philosophy that values diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches, ensuring that the foundation's research initiatives are both scientifically rigorous and culturally sensitive. 

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Dr. Sonja Brink is an accomplished educator, researcher, and advocate for transformative community development. With a robust academic background including a PhD in Education from North West University, her work primarily spans early childhood, adult, and community education and wellness within  both urban and rural settings. 

Dr. Brink's career is marked by significant contributions to education, community development and research, having led numerous high-profile research and development projects. Her expertise extends into the development of innovative education programs, particularly tailored to the needs of communities living within rural and resource poor contexts. 

Her research within the field of education and wellness sparked an interest in neuroscience and the physiological basis of learning. She currently works as a practitioner in the field of developmental neuroscience where she helps adults and children with learning and behavioral challenges to function better academically, socially and in their work life. 

Dr. Brink leverages her extensive experience to oversee the initiative's strategic projects. Driving forward its mission to explore and understand the therapeutic potentials of psychedelics. Her leadership not only enhances the Initiative's research capabilities but also strengthens its educational outreach, ensuring that groundbreaking findings are accessible and beneficial to diverse communities. 

Her multidisciplinary approach to education, wellness and human development makes her an invaluable leader at African Psychedelics Research Initiative, inspiring change and progress through her dedication to learning and human development.

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Nolwandle MaDumisa Madlala, with her extensive background as a Research Psychologist and her profound commitment to social transformation, brings invaluable expertise to the African Psychedelics Research Initiative. Holding a Master of Social Science in Research Psychology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nolwandle’s academic and professional experiences enrich APR’s interdisciplinary approach to psychedelic research. 

Nolwandle’s work is characterized by her deep understanding of psychosocial development, where she expertly blends psychological research with practical applications to enhance human resource development and community engagement. Her expertise is crucial in designing APR’s research methodologies that are not only scientifically rigorous but also culturally and ethically informed, ensuring the studies are sensitive to the diverse populations they aim to serve. 

Nolwandle contributes her specialized skills in systematic literature reviews, stakeholder management, and quality assurance. Her experience in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on educational and community-based programs significantly supports APR’s goal to develop and implement projects that explore the therapeutic potentials of psychedelics responsibly and effectively. 

Nolwandle’s dedication to leveraging psychological insights to empower individuals and groups is a cornerstone of her contribution to APR. She champions the use of evidence-based practices to foster mental health and wellbeing, advocating for research that addresses the psycho-social aspects of psychedelic therapy. 

Her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into actionable strategies enriches our initiatives, ensuring they are grounded in a deep understanding of human behaviour and societal needs.

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Nqobile P. Hlophe holds a Master of Science in Micropropagation from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she has a profound understanding of plant biology, particularly in the areas of phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in indigenous species. Her work has significantly contributed to the fields of botany and environmental science, emphasizing sustainable practices and the conservation of biodiversity. 

Nqobile honed her skills in environmental management through pivotal roles at Stellenbosch University Botanic Garden and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs. Her professional journey is marked by deep engagement with projects that span marine protected area management, plant conservation, and environmental impact assessments, showcasing her ability to integrate scientific research with practical environmental strategies. 

As a sustainability specialist at APR, Nqobile applies her extensive environmental knowledge to ensure that psychedelic research and applications are conducted responsibly and sustainably. Her leadership in environmental stewardship helps guide the initiatives, bridging the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and modern scientific approaches in the realm of psychedelics.

Nqobile’s commitment to environmental education and community engagement is integral to APR’s mission. She leads efforts to involve local communities in sustainable practices and educates stakeholders on the ecological aspects of psychedelic research. 

Her work ensures that APR’s operations not only advance scientific understanding but also promote the well-being of the environments and communities they touch.

Warren Mkhize is a founding member and the operational backbone of Mycopro Pty Ltd, a company renowned for its pioneering work in mushroom cultivation and mycology in South Africa. With a solid academic foundation in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of KwaZulu Natal, Warren has skillfully merged his knowledge of environmental processes with a profound operational expertise in mycology.

Warren focuses on advancing the sustainable use of natural resources through innovative mycological practices. The company, Mycopro, stands out as a community of budding Black Mycophiles, specialising in the cultivation of grey oyster mushrooms, spawn production, and the promotion of a circular economy. Warren's role involves leading the development and implementation of premium mycology training programs, consulting on sustainable smallholder farming, and driving enterprise development. 

Warren plays a critical role in producing and supplying key mycological products, including sterilized substrates, fruiting blocks, grain spawn, and spores, catering to a growing market of enthusiasts and professional mycologists alike. 

His previous experience with the Wildlands Conservation Trust and as a fieldwork supervisor for Statistics South Africa has imbued him with a strong sense of leadership, project management, and commitment to sustainability. These skills are invaluable as he continues to influence the agricultural landscape in South Africa. 

Warren’s ambitions do not stop here. As he looks forward to pursuing postgraduate studies, his goal is to deepen his expertise and continue contributing to the field of environmental management and mycology, ensuring that the benefits of sustainable practices reach future generations.