Director of the Center for Africana Studies & Presidential Penn Compact Professor of Africana Studies, Department of Africana Studies, University of Pennsylvania
At IRPIA, we pride ourselves on a team of leading scholars. Our experts are pivotal in blending evidence-based research with actionable policy solutions across various sectors including economy, health, and education. They are committed to driving sustainable change across Africa, shaping policies for a more prosperous future.
Discover the diverse expertise and impactful work of our distinguished professionals.
We focus on understanding the causes of violent conflicts, nature of conflicts, conflict resolution systems, and the interface between domestic, regional and international security. All of these are addressed in relation to the challenges and paths to building sustainable peace.
Environmental Sustainability
We focus on environmental changes and their social impacts on communities and livelihoods, disaster prevention and management strategies, and the sustainable use of natural resources. All of these are addressed in relation to human security and human development issues in rural and urban settings.
Public Health
We focus on the nature and challenges of healthcare delivery, disease control, public health policies, and the intersections of healthcare with education, indigenous knowledge, cultural practices and human development and well-being. We pay special attention to the intersection of healthcare and gender issues.
Education
We focus on the nature of education, its accessibility, and its interface with issues of citizenship, cultures, technology, economic development and employment. We pay special attention to the intersection of education and social inequalities, including gender.
Migration
We address issues connected to the ways people migrate within and across countries and continents, why they migrate, the implications of migration, and the efforts to enhance the human rights and well-being of affected persons and communities.
Governance
What are the challenges and opportunities for good governance? We focus on the forms and institutions of governance and leadership and the ways to enhance representative and peaceful democracies and foster human security and human development.
