Dr Michelle Skelton

DS-I Africa Coordinating Center

Dr Michelle Skelton is a successful program manager and leader in the field of genomics and data science in Africa. As the current leader of the H3Africa and DS-I Africa Coordinating Centre's based at the University of Cape Town, she plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific research and collaboration on the continent.

In her role as the Principal Investigator of the H3Africa Administrative Coordinating Centre (H3ACC) and the Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa (DS-I Africa) Coordinating Centre, Dr Skelton manages a team responsible for supporting these Consortia in various key areas including administration, communications, fiscal management, guidelines and policy development and coordination of meetings and conferences. With the support of core funders such as the NIH/NHGRI/FIC and Wellcome Trust, she has overseen the growth of the consortium to include over 500 individuals and 51 projects.

Dr Skelton's efforts have been instrumental in facilitating scientific exchange, networking, and collaborative brainstorming through in-person Consortium Meetings held in various African countries. She actively engages with stakeholders, government officials, global and grassroots organizations and governance working groups to raise awareness about the importance of scientific research, effective and sensitive data sharing practices towards solving health issues in Africa.

Dr Skelton's dedication to supporting early career scientists and promoting professional development within the scientific community has been a cornerstone of her work. Through fellowship programs, training initiatives, and strategic partnerships, she continues to empower the next generation of scientists to catalyze research findings into tangible solutions that will improve health outcomes for all in Africa and beyond.

Dr Laura Povlich

National Institutes of Health

Laura Povlich is a Program Director in the Division of International Training and Research at the Fogarty International Center, part of the National Institutes of Health, where she was previously an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellow. Dr. Povlich has administered a portfolio of grants that covers a range of research, research training, and research education projects related to global health technology, with a significant focus on information and communication technology. She currently is a coordinator for a new NIH Common Fund program - Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa (DS-I Africa). Prior to working at Fogarty, Dr. Povlich was the 2011-2012 Materials Research Society/Optical Society Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow in the Office of Congressman Sander Levin. Dr. Povlich earned a B.S.E. in Materials Science and Engineering and a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering, both from the University of Michigan. Her research focused on the synthesis of functionalized conjugated polymers for biological sensor applications and for neural probe and prosthetic device electrode coatings.

Ms Diana Awuor

Multimorbidity in Africa: Digital innovation, visualisation and application

My name is Diana Awuor, and I serve as a Program Administrator at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). In this role, I support the coordination and implementation of research and program activities aimed at improving health and development outcomes across Africa. I provide administrative, operational, and program management support to multidisciplinary teams, helping ensure the smooth planning, communication, and execution of key initiatives. My work involves collaborating closely with researchers, project teams, and institutional units to streamline processes, manage program resources, and facilitate effective collaboration across projects. I am passionate about contributing to initiatives that promote health equity, community well-being, and sustainable development across the African continent. Through my work, I strive to support research-driven solutions that address critical population and health challenges.

Ms Linda Khakali

UtiliZing health Information for Meaningful impact in East Africa through Data Science

Linda Khakali is a Project manager at the Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, with expertise in field research coordination and management. Her passion for advancing knowledge in mental health and substance use is evident in her multifaceted skill set, which spans leadership, grant writing, and qualitative data collection and analysis. Linda holds a master's degree in sociology from the University of Nairobi, which complements her experience in research. Actively engaged in the academic community, she has participated in 8 local and international conferences, where she not only presented her research findings, but her impactful contributions were further recognized when she secured a travel grant to present her work at the esteemed Africa Diaspora Global Mental Health Conference. She volunteered to be a recruitment officer at Mental health fellowship for young and young adults' cohort. Linda has played a crucial role in the writing of grants and manuscripts focused on mental and brain health, as well as substance abuse.