Application Process

Elijah Mbaja (right) with Shamba Maisha study participants, Migori County, Kenya

Eligibility

PhD Program

  • Master's degree in Public health, Development Sciences, Social and Behavioral Science, Nutrition, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Medicine, or Nursing
  • Existing first-year or beginning PhD student at Maseno University as evidenced with letter of admission to a PhD program. Candidates must demonstrate relevant, solution-based research ideas and are committed to improving HIV-related health outcomes in Kenya through SD4H interventions. SD4H intervention considers development sciences by understanding or addressing issues such as economics, agriculture, environmental science, food insecurity, and malnutrition.

Preferred: Priority will be given to applicants with current faculty positions at Maseno University.

Masters' Program

  • Bachelor's degree in Public health with IT, Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Health Sciences, Medicine or Nursing
  • M.Sc. / MPH students enrolled at Maseno University as evidenced with letter of admission to a M.Sc. / MPH program
  • The candidates must be highly driven and should be ready to commit fulltime to their research work
  • Alumni of Maseno University will have an added advantage

Preferred: Priority will be given to applicants who are graduate assistants at Maseno University.

Application requirements for PhD Program:

  • Resume or CV
  • Applicant essay:
    • Prior research, academic, and work experience including publications & coursework
    • Statement of purpose including career goals and plans
    • Proposed Sustainable Development for HIV Health research concept (up to two pages, with draft specific aims and hypothesis (if relevant) of potential for doctoral thesis)
  • Letter of Recommendation (from an academic mentor, Chair of Department, or Dean)

Application requirements for Masters Program:

  • Resume or CV
  • Applicant essay:
    • Prior research, academic, and work experience including publications & coursework
    • Statement of purpose including career goals and plans
    • Proposed Sustainable Development for HIV Health research concept (200 words about interesting topic to explore as a Master thesis)
  • Letter of Recommendation (from an academic mentor, Chair of Department, or Dean

Submit applications and questions to Dr. Louisa Ndunyu at email address: SD4H@maseno.ac.ke. The deadline to apply is 1st March 2022. Award will be granted in June 2022.

Selection Process

Applicants will be scored based on research experience including publications, coursework, work history, statement of purpose, and research concept content. In the first phase, the applications are reviewed on the following criteria: quality of essay, strength of credentials, previous research experience, research concept, and letter of recommendation. Applicants approved by the initial review are invited for an in person or virtual interview.

Photo by David LaChapelle