Dr. Simon Okomo Aloo, PhD

Position: National Chairperson

Email Address: simon.aloo@acmhr-k.org / simon.aloo@monash.edu

Research Links: Okomo Simon Aloo‬ - Google Scholar‬

Profile Summary

Dr. Simon Aloo is a biomedical and food science researcher at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, affiliated with Monash University, Australia. His research integrates food science, biotechnology, and clinical /metabolomics/lipidomics to understand how dietary and metabolic factors influence cardiometabolic health.

Dr. Aloo earned his bachelor’s degree in food science and nutrition (First Class Honors) from Karatina University, Kenya. He was then awarded the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G) to pursue a master’s in food science and biotechnology at Kangwon National University (KNU), South Korea. Upon completion of his master’s program, he received both the Brain Korea (BK) Scholarship and the Bring Excellent Student to KNU (BEST-KNU) award to undertake his PhD in Food Science and Biotechnology, completed in 2024. His doctoral research focused on the development of functional ingredients from plant-derived bioactives and their protective roles against obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Motivated by a deep interest in metabolic health, Dr. Aloo received the Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) to pursue a second PhD in Biomedicine, specializing in lipidomics. His current research investigates lipid metabolism and its contribution to cardiometabolic disorders using advanced mass spectrometry and systems biology approaches.

Dr. Aloo has authored and co-authored several over 28 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in high-impact international journals covering food science, bioactive compounds, lipid metabolism, and nutritional biochemistry. His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including an Award of Excellence from the Ministry of Education of Korea and two Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards from Kangwon National University.

Passionate about translational and preventive health research, Dr. Aloo aspires to bridge food science, nutrition, and medicine to advance innovative strategies for improving human health and well-being.

Ms. Monicah Ndunda

Position: National Secretary and Project Coordinator 

Email Address: mutindi.monicah@yahoo.com

Profile Summary

Monicah Ndunda is a Clinical Nutritionist and Public Health Nutrition professional with a strong foundation in food science, clinical nutrition, and community health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in food science and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health nutrition and policy at Karatina University, Kenya.

Monicah serves at the Kitui County Referral Hospital, where she provides clinical and community-based nutrition interventions targeting the dual burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Beyond her clinical role, she is a Student Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). Her ongoing research explores novel, sustainable food sources—specifically mealworms and spirulina—as innovative strategies to combat malnutrition in vulnerable populations, including those in refugee settings such as Kakuma Refugee Camp.

She is certified in the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) for Acute Malnutrition, enhancing her ability to analyze and interpret food security and nutrition data for evidence-based decision-making.

Monicah’s professional interests encompass maternal and child nutrition, preventive health, and sustainable food systems. Driven by a passion for translating research into policy and practice, she is dedicated to strengthening nutrition governance, advancing public awareness, and promoting healthier dietary behaviors to improve population health outcomes across Kenya.

Mr. Silas Ambundo

Position: National Treasurer

Email Address: silasanyanje93@gmail.com

Profile Summary

Silas Ambundo is a Senior Teacher at Gititu Secondary School, where he has distinguished himself as an educator dedicated to fostering academic excellence, discipline, and holistic learner development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education (First Class Honors) from Karatina University, Kenya. He specialized in mathematics and physics

With over six years of experience in teaching and student mentorship, Silas has played a pivotal role in guiding students toward academic success and personal growth. His teaching philosophy emphasizes interactive learning, critical thinking, and values-based education, ensuring learners are not only well-prepared academically but also equipped with essential life skills.

Beyond classroom teaching, Silas is actively involved in curriculum implementation, academic coordination, and co-curricular mentorship. He has a keen interest in educational leadership, curriculum innovation, and youth empowerment, and continually seeks to integrate modern pedagogical approaches to enhance learning outcomes. He sis currently the Christian Union Patron at Gititu secondary School.

Passionate about nurturing future leaders, Silas remains committed to advancing quality education and promoting lifelong learning among students and fellow educators alike.

Mr. Stephen Nyaranga, PhD Student

Position: IT Coordinator

Email Address: stephen.nyaranga@acmhr-k.org | LinkedIn

Profile Summary

Stephen Nyaranga is a young African scientist whose work sits at the intersection of climate science, artificial intelligence, and geospatial technology. He is currently a PhD Fellow in Climate Science under the prestigious CLARITY-Africa Program, an international initiative led by Imperial College London in collaboration with AIMS-RIC and partner institutions across Africa.

Stephen’s research explores how deep learning and satellite remote sensing—especially Sentinel-1 SAR time-series analysis—can be used to better understand urban flooding, climate extremes, and community vulnerability in rapidly growing African cities. His work aims to develop tools that strengthen early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience for some of the most at-risk populations.

Before beginning his PhD, Stephen completed an MSc in Mathematical Sciences (Data Science) at AIMS–Senegal, where he worked on AI-driven climate modeling, and he pursued an MSc in Geophysics at ICTP–EAIFR, specializing in Earth observation and InSAR deformation analysis. He graduated with First Class Honours in Physics and Mathematics from Karatina University, Kenya.

Alongside his academic journey, Stephen has built a strong career in technology leadership. As the Head of IT at Vatel Rwanda, he has driven major digital transformation initiatives, from infrastructure modernization and cloud integration to AI adoption in teaching and operations. He has trained faculty, students, and staff on artificial intelligence, developed automated systems, and enhanced the institution’s digital visibility—impacting hundreds of learners.

Stephen’s work reflects his passion for combining science, technology, and innovation to solve real-world problems. His research interests span GeoAI, hydrological modeling, Earth observation, climate resilience, and AI for sustainable development.