Aga Khan University, Institute for Human Development
Brian Kigen
Aga Khan University, Institute for Human Development
Brian is currently enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methods at Pwani University, Kenya, jointly offered in partnership with the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL), the KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, and the African Leadership in Measuring Brain Health for Children and Adolescents (ALMA). He is working under the supervision of Professor Amina Abubakar and Dr. Patrick Mwangala.
His research focuses on patterns and longitudinal predictors of health risk behaviours among adolescents in rural Kenya, using a machine learning approach.
With this project, he aims to generate data-driven insights into the factors influencing adolescent health risk behaviours, thereby contributing to the development of targeted interventions and policies that promote healthier developmental outcomes among young people in Kenya.
Brian Kigen
Aga Khan University, Institute for Human Development
Juma Karisa
Aga Khan University, Institute for Human Development
Juma Karisa is pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methods at Pwani University (Kenya) in collaboration with (IDEAL) Programme at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme and ALMA at Aga Khan University, as a Research Intern he is based at Aga Khan University, Institute for Human Development, under the supervision of Dr. Ronald Kipkirui.
His research focuses on the validation of the computerized Swahili version of the Battery for Neuropsychological Evaluation of Children (BENCI) among school-aged children exposed to nutritional and climatic vulnerabilities in Kenya. Specifically, the study seeks to assess the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of the adapted Swahili BENCI, compare children’s performance with existing normative benchmarks, and evaluate differences in cognitive performance and measurement properties between vulnerable and non-vulnerable groups.
Through this project, Juma aims to contribute evidence towards culturally appropriate and contextually valid neuropsychological assessment tools for children in low – resource settings advancing early detection and support for cognitive and developmental challenges.
Juma Karisa
Aga Khan University, Institute for Human Development
Valarie Achieng
Aga Khan University, Institute for Human Development
Valarie Achieng Ochieng is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methods at Pwani University, in collaboration with the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme. She is also an intern at the Aga Khan University, Institute for Human Development, under the supervision of Prof. Amina Abubakar. Her research focuses on the NeuroDev project, specifically aiming to validate the Social and Communication Disorders Checklist (SCDC) tool within the African context to assess neurodevelopmental disorders. Through this project, Valarie hopes to contribute to the development of culturally appropriate and psychometrically sound screening tools that enhance early identification and support for children with neurodevelopmental challenges in Africa.
