Dr. Verrah Otiende - ASFI Women's Week 2024 || African Science Frontiers Initiatives (ASFI)

Dr. Verrah Otiende

Dr. Verrah Otiende stands is an early-career researcher and educator at USIU-Africa, in the fields of data science and statistics. Recognizing the evolving nature of these fields, she actively contributes to curriculum development, aligning it with rigorous industry standards to ensure academic excellence. Beyond the classroom, Verrah is engaged in cutting-edge research, demonstrated by her recent role as a postdoctoral researcher at CE-APCC. Her focus involves establishing data standards for clinical and genomic data within African population cohorts, with far-reaching implications for healthcare and research sectors.

Dr. Otiende's academic journey includes a Cotutelle Ph.D. in Mathematics (Statistics Option) from the Pan African University Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology, & Innovation (PAUSTI) and JKUAT. This dual-degree enhances her grasp of statistical principles. Her contributions extend beyond her own academic pursuits. Actively involved in teaching and research, she participates in collaborative initiatives, mentorship programs, scholarly publications, and international exchange programs.

Additionally, Verrah is a member of ASFI (African Science Frontiers Initiative) and serves as the VP in charge of conferencing and events. She played a pivotal role in organizing the inaugural ASFI conference and boot camp in 2023, successfully bringing together diverse speakers from across Africa, showcasing her commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the scientific community.

Throughout her career, Dr. Otiende's commitment to statistical methodologies and inclusive learning environments is evident. She strives to cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals in Data Science and Statistics. This dedication aligns seamlessly with her role as an Assistant Professor at USIU-Africa, where she not only imparts knowledge within the classroom but also actively contributes to shaping the educational landscape. Her enthusiasm for global perspectives and inclusive learning environments permeates her entire career, making Dr. Verrah Otiende a visionary in bridging academia and cutting-edge research to foster the development of future STEM leaders.