Professor/Dr. Mershen Pillay – Biography
Professor/Dr. Mershen Pillay is an internationally recognised Associate Professor and Programme Leader of Speech and Language Therapy at Massey University’s Auckland Campus, bringing over three decades of multifaceted expertise to communication sciences and disorders. His research portfolio spans dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and occupational audiology in the informal sector focusing on the combined effects of noise and chemical exposure in workplace environments.

Dr. Pillay’s distinguished academic foundation includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (Cum Laude) in Speech and Hearing Therapy from the University of Durban-Westville, culminating in a Doctorate in Education (2003). His extensive international experience encompasses clinical practice and academic leadership across four continents – from NHS specialist roles in the UK to clinical supervision positions in UAE’s Cleveland Clinic Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre, and senior academic positions at universities in South Africa and New Zealand.

His current leadership roles demonstrate exceptional international standing: Chairperson of the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP) Dysphagia Committee, Secretary of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative, and WHO World Rehabilitation Alliance member. These positions reflect his pivotal influence in establishing global standards for dysphagia management and rehabilitation practices.

Dr. Pillay’s substantial research impact includes 89 peer-reviewed publications (68% in Q1 journals) with an H-Index of 21, international recognition through ASHA awards, and practical applications through collaborative work with community organisations to impact services to disabled individuals. His expertise extends to crisis consultation, including UNICEF advisory work during Samoa’s measles outbreak and leadership of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Massey University’s community initiative called “THRIVE “– Tackling Hunger with Research & Innovation in Vulnerable Environments.

His commitment to decolonising healthcare practices, advancing occupational hearing health research, and promoting cultural responsiveness in clinical reasoning establishes Dr. Pillay as a transformative figure bridging academic excellence with real-world impact in global health equity.