Andrew Okoth Aballa
Research Assistant 

Andrew is a proactive research scientist with in-depth knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and complementary disciplines such as data management and analysis and scientific writing. Trained in Biomedical Sciences and Disease Diagnostics, he has worked as part of research teams in accredited research organisations such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) where he supported works that a) evaluated the genetic predictors of disease, b) developed actionable, community-led control strategies for the prevention of common infectious diseases, and c) evaluated compliance with national policies and guidelines for the prevention of transmission of common infectious diseases.

Throughout his educational and research journey, Andrew has sharpened a plethora of key research skills, key among them being laboratory and field-based study design, execution of the four-stage project management cycle (initiation, planning, execution, and closure), and analysis and dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conferences.

Currently, Andrew supports the UtiliZing health Information for Meaningful impact in East Africa through Data Science (UZIMA-DS) study at the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) as a research assistant. He programs and pretests all data collection tools in preferred electronic platforms, mobilizes key authorities in study sites, recruits study participants, schedules and disseminates the digitized longitudinal surveys, and follows up with participants to ensure timely completion of the follow-up quarterly surveys or to troubleshoot the data collection applications and wearables whenever the need arises.

​Research interests are in disease modelling and genetic predictors of mental conditions.