Bernice Araba Otoo
Bernice Araba Otoo is an assistant lecturer in the Department of Physical & Mathematical Sciences at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Nuclear & Environmental Protection at the University of Ghana, where her doctoral research: “Soil Quality Assessment of Unsustainable Mining Affected Soils in Two Communities in Eastern Ghana”, addresses the environmental challenges posed by unsustainable mining practices through innovative approaches in heavy metal assessment under the supervision of Prof. Joseph R. Fianko. Ms. Otoo obtained her M.Phil. in Chemistry from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana.
She has participated in the Erasmus+ funded YEMAYA Women in Science Project at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany. As an inaugural cohort member, she completed a fully funded, six-month research and training program that equipped her with advanced skills in ecosystem conservation, soil remediation and rehabilitation, renewable energy, and water treatment. This collaborative initiative, involving five African universities, underscores her leadership and dedication to tackling critical environmental issues on an international scale.
In addition to her academic and research accomplishments, Ms. Otoo is an active member of both the Ghana Chemical Society and the Women in Chemistry Network. The QES program will enhance her leadership, capacity building, and networking skills while collaborating with leading experts and researchers, accessing cutting-edge resources, and eventually developing solutions that contribute to climate resilience and environmental justice. This training will further strengthen her expertise as a researcher and academician, empowering her to drive impactful solutions in climate resilience and environmental justice.
Yvon Songsore Galaa
Yvon Songsore Galaa is a doctoral candidate in Nutrition at the University of Ghana. He holds an MPhil in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. His research evaluates the impact of school meal programmes on the livelihoods of households in rural communities in Ghana. Beyond academia, he is a registered dietician passionate about improving the health and nutrition of vulnerable populations through nutrition education. Currently working as a dietician at the 37 military hospital, Yvon Songsore Galaa specialises in the medical nutrition therapy of non-cardiovascular diseases, particularly diabetes, promoting the consumption of locally available foods that are available and accessible. He is also an active nutrition educator who engages in nutrition education in rural communities, educating households and communities to consume varied foods rich in minerals and vitamins to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Yvon enjoys playing football and listening to music during his leisure time.
Saviour Kwaku Tepson Tepe
Saviour Kwaku Tepson Tepe is pursuing a PhD in Urban Studies at the Centre for Urban Management Studies, University of Ghana. His research focuses on the dynamic intersections of urbanization, climate change, and socio-environmental resilience. He is particularly interested in climate change and community resilience, urbanization and urban gentrification, urban housing and crime, urban forestry, gender, and urban poverty. He is a dedicated scholar in urban studies with a strong interdisciplinary background in geography, regional planning, and development studies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography & Regional Planning from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana.
His work integrates geospatial analysis, environmental science, and social research methodologies to address pressing urban challenges and inform sustainable development policies. Saviour is passionate about exploring real-world urban dynamics and their implications for policy and practice. His expertise extends to analyzing the impact of urbanization on vulnerable communities, assessing climate adaptation strategies, and investigating the role of reforestation and urban forestry in mitigating environmental risks. Through his research, he seeks to contribute to innovative and practical solutions for building more resilient and inclusive cities.
Elizabeth Afriyie Duah
Elizabeth Afriyie Duah is a PhD candidate in Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Ghana. Her research focuses on food-based strategies to improve micronutrient intake, with a particular interest in cassava and Bambara groundnut fortification. She holds an MPhil in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Ghana, where she studied the consumption patterns and nutrient profile of yellow-fleshed cassava. Elizabeth has extensive experience in nutrition research, data collection, and community-based interventions. She has worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Ghana and served as a team leader for major nutrition surveys, including the Ghana Micronutrient Survey and the implementation of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) model. Additionally, she has contributed to nutrition education initiatives with the Grameen Foundation and the GAIN-IDH project. Her research interests include food fortification, biofortification, and sustainable nutrition solutions for food security. She has published work on consumer perceptions and nutrient composition of cassava and continues to explore innovative ways to enhance dietary quality in low- and middle-income countries.
Clarice Panyin Nyan
Clarice Panyin Nyan is pursuing a PhD in Population Studies at the University of Ghana with a research focus on social support and child nutrition status in Northern Ghana. This study investigates social support systems' impact on child nutrition outcomes, especially in underserved regions. By examining the connections between social determinants and health outcomes, Clarice aims to contribute to evidence-based policies that promote sustainable interventions in child nutrition and overall public health. Her research concentrated on nutrition, women's economic empowerment, and inclusive governance, particularly within vulnerable populations.
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Clarice has participated in various research projects, collaborating with universities, non-governmental organizations, and subject matter experts. These experiences have enhanced her skills in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis, and policy advocacy.
The QES program will expose her to diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches that will enhance her ability to design impactful interventions and contribute to scholarly discourse on nutrition. Through collaborative research initiatives, academic exchanges, and mentorship opportunities, she will gain valuable insights into best practices in nutrition research and innovative strategies for addressing malnutrition in low-resource settings. Beyond the academic benefits, the QES program aligns with Clarice’s long-term goal of influencing policy and program development in nutrition and health in Ghana and beyond. The knowledge, skills, and collaborations she gains through QES will be instrumental in shaping her contributions to academia, research, and community-based interventions. As a passionate researcher committed to improving nutrition and health outcomes, Clarice eagerly anticipates leveraging this opportunity to enhance her expertise, foster meaningful collaborations, and develop impactful solutions.
Lansah Gabriel Asumah
Lansah Gabriel Asumah is a PhD candidate in Public Health at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana. His doctoral research evaluates the effectiveness of HIV prevention strategies in Ghana’s Upper Manya Krobo District, focusing on program reach, accessibility, and community impact. As a District Health Information Officer with Ghana Health Service, Lansah has spearheaded initiatives integrating WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education with maternal and child health programs, preventing cholera outbreaks for ten (10) years through community-led hygiene campaigns. He has collaborated with NGOs like World Vision and NutLinks to design data-driven interventions, including nutrition-sensitive agriculture projects that improved dietary diversity for 10,000+ households.
His work involves data management, program monitoring and evaluation, field epidemiology, research, and policy development to improve healthcare accessibility and impact. With a strong interest in WASH, cholera prevention, and child nutrition, he aims to leverage research and digital health innovations to address pressing public health challenges.
Committed to sustainable solutions, Lansah’s leadership in Ghana Health Service has earned recognition, including the Outstanding Public Health Officer Award. Through the QES II Program, he aims to deepen his expertise in policy advocacy and multi-sectoral collaboration to address interconnected challenges in WASH, child nutrition, and disease prevention.
