In this conversation, we delve into Dr Moses Kachama's anticipations, passions, and strategies for navigating the challenges of this transformative program.
The fellowship offers a unique experience split between Harvard Medical School and Aga Khan University's campuses. How do you anticipate cross-cultural exposure enhancing your mental health research approach?
The GMH Postdoctoral Fellowship provides an exciting cross-cultural research exposure that can significantly boost my research approach in several ways. Firstly, it provides a chance to discern the strengths and gaps within mental health research processes, enabling the adoption of best practices by comparing research conduct in two distinct settings. Secondly, this exposure creates a platform for interaction and learning from a broader spectrum of multidisciplinary experts in the GMH field, each with unique experiences in implementing mental health research in both high- and low-to-middle income countries. Lastly, it opens avenues for networking with peers and fellow scientists in the field, potentially leading to fruitful research collaborations in the near future.
What specific areas within global mental health are you most passionate about exploring and why?
I am deeply passionate about delving into the mental well-being of young individuals, particularly those hailing from LMICs, and exploring the utilization of digital technology as a means to address their prevalent mental health challenges. Presently, young people constitute a significant portion of the global population, with the majority residing in LMICs. These individuals are equally susceptible to mental health issues, akin to the wider population. Addressing their mental health needs bears benefits at both the individual and societal levels. Given the surge in technological advancements, particularly in regions like Africa, it is opportune to harness this platform for the delivery of mental health interventions, either as a complement to or in addition to traditional therapeutic approaches.
How will you overcome research challenges and maintain resilience during your time at both Harvard and AKU?
In the realm of research, encountering challenges is an inevitability. Drawing from my experience working at various centers of research excellence in Kenya, including AKU, I have learnt several strategies for addressing diverse challenges. These include open-mindedness, adaptability, flexibility, and the implementation of appropriate coping mechanisms. While undertaking the GMH fellowship, I anticipate that the journey may not always be seamless; there will be hurdles. I am committed to embracing the opportunity to learn and relearn effective strategies to navigate the present challenges, while unlearning unfruitful approaches.
How do you plan to disseminate findings and create impact beyond academia?
Given the focus of my research project on young individuals, digital social media platforms stand as powerful tools for disseminating research findings. Additionally, I intend to leverage mainstream media, specifically local radio stations, which are widely accessed by the youth demographic, initially for raising public awareness about my proposed project, and subsequently for communicating the research findings. Where applicable, community forums or gatherings involving young individuals can also serve as valuable avenues for dissemination.
In this conversation, we delve into Dr Moses Kachama's anticipations, passions, and strategies for navigating the challenges of this transformative program.
The fellowship offers a unique experience split between Harvard Medical School and Aga Khan University's campuses. How do you anticipate cross-cultural exposure enhancing your mental health research approach?
The GMH Postdoctoral Fellowship provides an exciting cross-cultural research exposure that can significantly boost my research approach in several ways. Firstly, it provides a chance to discern the strengths and gaps within mental health research processes, enabling the adoption of best practices by comparing research conduct in two distinct settings. Secondly, this exposure creates a platform for interaction and learning from a broader spectrum of multidisciplinary experts in the GMH field, each with unique experiences in implementing mental health research in both high- and low-to-middle income countries. Lastly, it opens avenues for networking with peers and fellow scientists in the field, potentially leading to fruitful research collaborations in the near future.
What specific areas within global mental health are you most passionate about exploring and why?
I am deeply passionate about delving into the mental well-being of young individuals, particularly those hailing from LMICs, and exploring the utilization of digital technology as a means to address their prevalent mental health challenges. Presently, young people constitute a significant portion of the global population, with the majority residing in LMICs. These individuals are equally susceptible to mental health issues, akin to the wider population. Addressing their mental health needs bears benefits at both the individual and societal levels. Given the surge in technological advancements, particularly in regions like Africa, it is opportune to harness this platform for the delivery of mental health interventions, either as a complement to or in addition to traditional therapeutic approaches.
How will you overcome research challenges and maintain resilience during your time at both Harvard and AKU?
In the realm of research, encountering challenges is an inevitability. Drawing from my experience working at various centers of research excellence in Kenya, including AKU, I have learnt several strategies for addressing diverse challenges. These include open-mindedness, adaptability, flexibility, and the implementation of appropriate coping mechanisms. While undertaking the GMH fellowship, I anticipate that the journey may not always be seamless; there will be hurdles. I am committed to embracing the opportunity to learn and relearn effective strategies to navigate the present challenges, while unlearning unfruitful approaches.
How do you plan to disseminate findings and create impact beyond academia?
Given the focus of my research project on young individuals, digital social media platforms stand as powerful tools for disseminating research findings. Additionally, I intend to leverage mainstream media, specifically local radio stations, which are widely accessed by the youth demographic, initially for raising public awareness about my proposed project, and subsequently for communicating the research findings. Where applicable, community forums or gatherings involving young individuals can also serve as valuable avenues for dissemination.
