We are a growing team of professionals committed to the vision and ideals of AKU and passionate about our role in translating IHD's mission into reality. Together we are making a meaningful investment in human development and laying foundations for the prosperity of tomorrow’s generation starting today. Our team brings on board expertise from development, academia, research, policy and administration making every day of our experiences exciting and rewarding.
Dr Marfo’s vision is to position the Institute to make a difference in the building of strong foundations for successful life outcomes for all children. His current scholarly interests are in developmental science and childhood interventions as well as the advancement of a global interdisciplinary science of human development.
Dr Rafique is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. Her research and teaching interests are in the areas of early child development, nutrition, developmental screening, children with disability, and social determinants of health.
Prof Hezborn M. N. Kodero is a research mentor for pre- and post- doctoral fellows under the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation project at IHD. His main area of research interest is on orphans and vulnerable children, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Dr Kausar WaqarResearch Faculty, IHD-Human Development Programme, AKU-Karachi
Dr. Waqar joined AKU in 2005 and was a faculty member at the Institute for Educational Development (AKU-Karachi) from 2005 – 20013. She joined HDP in 2014. Her areas of work at AKU include Inclusive education, Early Childhood Development and Gender in Education.
Dr Anil KhamisResearch Faculty & Lead Researcher, AKU-wide SDG Mapping Project, IHD-Nairobi; IED-East Africa
Dr Anil's research interests and publications cover societal and educational change, school improvement, and teacher development; research methods; and education for disadvantaged / at-risk communities, with special reference to marginalized communities, including Muslim minority and majority contexts.
Dr Batool FatimaResearch Faculty, IHD-Human Development Programme, AKU-Karachi
Dr Fatima is a Clinical Psychologist and Public Health professional. She is currently an Assistant Professor, Human Development Program at Aga Khan University, Pakistan. She is working with a team of international mental health experts to help children of parents with mental illness in Austria to receive appropriate care and services. Additionally, she is supervising psychologists in various research projects at AKU.
Ms Seema Zainulabdin Lasi Research Faculty, IHD-Human Development Programme, AKU-Karachi
Ms Seema Zainulabdin Lasi is currently working as a Senior Instructor of Early Childhood Development (ECD) in the Human Development Programme, Pakistan. Her areas of specialization are in ECD and education with a focus on both practice and research.
Vibian AngwenyiPost-Doctoral Fellow, IHD-Nairobi
Vibian is a Post-Doctoral researcher with the Institute for Human Development at the Aga khan University. Her research interests and expertise are in qualitative research, survey methodology, health systems research, and chronic care in Africa. She has 7 publications with 5 as first author.
Dr George AndimaPost-Doctoral Fellow, IHD-Nairobi
Dr. Andima has extensive experience in early grade literacy interventions in Kenya. He designs training and instruction manuals and provides training and mentorship in the use of child-friendly instructional strategies.
Joyce MaranguResearch Associate, IHD-Nairobi
Ms Marangu is a social and economic development professional with specialization in child development and wellbeing. She is currently engaged in research on the impact of cash transfers on the wellbeing of vulnerable children and their caregivers.
Leonard FalexProject Manager, IHD-Nairobi
Mr Falex manages the Institute’s Conrad N. Hilton Foundation-funded project to build capacity in ECD research and workforce development. His research interests and experience are in policy enhancement and investing for family strengthening, sustainable development and outcomes for developing countries.
Margaret KabueProject Manager, IHD-Nairobi
Ms Kabue imanages the Child Development in Marginalized Communities project, funded jointly by the International Development Research Centre (Canada) and Aga Khan Foundation Canada. Her research and programme interests are in the areas of child and women’s rights, marginalized communities, and health systems strengthening.
Meseret BelachewInstitute Manager, IHD-Nairobi
Ms Meseret Belachew is an educator with a focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD). She has experience facilitating qualitative research projects and training activities.
Esther PeterAdministration and Communications Officer, IHD-Nairobi
Ms Peter's primary interests are in the area of development communication.
