School of Science and Technology

Biography:

Dr. Verrah Otiende is a dedicated researcher and educator with expertise in data science and statistics. In her role as an Assistant Professor at USIU-Africa, her focus centers on teaching courses in these fields. This includes comprehensive curriculum development and review to ensure alignment with industry standards and the maintenance of high academic rigor. Dr. Otiende actively contributes to the promotion of women's involvement in science, innovation, and sustainability. Her positions as an educator, researcher, and mentor highlight the influential role mentorship plays in shaping the future of STEM. To address the imperative for diversity in STEM, Dr. Otiende concentrates on mentoring young women through programs such as AIMS GMSP and the MLEx Fellowship. This involves guiding participants in STEM problem-solving, exposing them to cutting-edge research, and presenting various career options in STEM.

Dr. Otiende earned a Cotutelle Ph.D. in Mathematics (Statistics Option) from PAUSTI and JKUAT, specializing in applying spatiotemporal statistics and mathematical models to study the transmission, progression, and impact of infectious diseases in Kenya, with a focus on HIV and TB. Possessing an extensive and evolving expertise in statistical and mathematical analysis, she demonstrates advanced proficiency in utilizing data analysis tools like R, Python, Monolix Suite, STATA, and SPSS.

Dr. Otiende has authored peer-reviewed articles and engaged in consultancies focusing on research design, implementation, and analytical/statistical services. Presently, she is actively involved in research at CE-APCC, contributing to the establishment of data standards for clinical and genomic data within African population cohorts. This work has a substantial impact on healthcare and research. She is affiliated with various professional organizations including the International Biometry Society (IBS) - Global, African Science Frontiers Initiatives (ASFI), Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Women in Data Science (WiDS) – Global, and the Masakhane.io community. Dr. Otiende's commitment to global perspectives reflects her dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled data science and statistics professionals.

Academic Qualifications

• 2023: Postdoctoral Researcher, CE-APCC
• 2022: Postdoctoral Fellow, PMX Africa & Certara Inc.
• 2015 – 2020: Ph.D. Mathematical Statistics, PAUISTI & JKUAT, Kenya
• 2011 - 2013: MSc. Research Methods, JKUAT, Kenya.
• 2005 - 2010: BSc. Mathematics (Statistics Option) & Computer Science (Hons-Second Class, Upper Division) JKUAT, Kenya.

Areas of interest/specialization

Mathematical Modelling & Simulations, Disease Modelling, Data Science & Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing.

Research & Professional Profiles

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