#Pint26 Speakers

George Hanta is a researcher and data analyst with the U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), part of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). Based in Kenya, George plays a vital role in advancing global health security through his work with the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) and other major infectious disease initiatives. With a focus on data-driven insights, he specializes in the surveillance and analysis of HIV, malaria, and antimicrobial resistance. His collaborative research, often conducted alongside the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), is instrumental in understanding disease progression and improving clinical outcomes across the continent. George is recognized for his technical expertise in translating complex datasets into actionable strategies for public health.

Prof. John Gershenson is a Teaching Professor at Penn State University and Director of the Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship (HESE) Program. He is also the co-founder of Kijenzi, an innovative social venture leveraging distributed manufacturing and 3D printing to improve access to critical medical equipment and replacement parts in underserved communities across Kenya and beyond. With expertise spanning engineering design, humanitarian engineering, social entrepreneurship, and international development, Prof. Gershenson has dedicated his career to developing sustainable, community-centered solutions that address real-world challenges. Through HESE and Kijenzi, he has mentored interdisciplinary teams of students, researchers, and innovators in creating scalable technologies that strengthen healthcare systems and local manufacturing ecosystems.

Mr. Gathii Kimita is a distinguished bioinformatics specialist and molecular biologist at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research - Africa (WRAIR-Africa). Based at the KEMRI/WRAIR-Africa Basic Science Laboratory in Kisumu, he is a leading voice in genomic surveillance and infectious disease research in the region. Mr. Kimita has been instrumental in advancing pathogen-agnostic testing, famously leading the team that identified the first cases of the Asian lineage Zika virus in Kenya. His expertise spans the genomic characterization of critical health threats, including Mpox and SARS-CoV-2 variants, and the implementation of innovative wastewater surveillance programs to track antimicrobial resistance. As a researcher at the intersection of big data and public health, Mr. Kimita is dedicated to leveraging bioinformatics to strengthen outbreak response and inform health policy across East Africa.

Eng. Marvin Oyuke is a dedicated civil engineer and development specialist at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure in East Africa. Currently serving as the Programs Director at WASHLAB Consult, he specializes in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) systems engineering and climate-resilient water solutions. With a background in large-scale infrastructure design and GIS mapping, Eng. Oyuke has been instrumental in delivering safe water access to vulnerable communities, particularly in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). A proponent of innovative financing, he is a leader in integrating safe-water carbon projects with technical engineering to ensure long-term utility sustainability. His work bridges the gap between complex engineering design and community-led development, making him a vital voice in the conversation on regional climate resilience and public health infrastructure.

Johanssen Obanda is a dynamic social innovator, open science champion, and global community builder. As the Community Engagement Manager at Crossref, he leads international initiatives to make research infrastructure more equitable and inclusive globally. Johanssen is also the Founder of Jabulani Youths for Transformation (JAY4T), a grassroots non-profit empowering young Kenyans with entrepreneurship and digital literacy skills. An alumnus of the prestigious Ashoka Visionary Program, he bridges the gap between academic research, community development, and youth-led innovation. Audiences value his actionable insights on open science, digital inclusion, international research collaboration, and grassroots community mobilization.

Dr. Arthur Okembo is a distinguished neurosurgeon at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and a fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). A cornerstone of the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative, Dr. Okembo has dedicated his career to bridging the gap in neurosurgical access across Western Kenya. He is widely recognized for his clinical expertise in corrective spinal surgery and his collaborative work during international neurosurgical camps, where he treats complex brain and spine conditions. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Okembo is a committed researcher and educator, frequently presenting on surgical outcomes and healthcare equity at regional and international medical conferences.