Advisors

Dr. Peter Baguma is a distinguished BITSS Catalyst and Professor of Psychology at Makerere University, where he has taught for 38 years. With a PhD in Psychology and 18 certificates, Dr. Baguma specializes in Health Psychology, Psychosocial Intervention, and Organizational Psychology. He has taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses, conducted extensive research, and offered consultancy services in the public and private sectors. Dr. Baguma has led multidisciplinary teams, reviewed over ten international journals, supervised 200 postgraduate students, and organized over 200 academic events. He has edited over five books, published 38 journal articles, and co-founded international professional organizations. Additionally, he is a member of over ten international organizations and is an external examiner for multiple African universities.

Professor Edward Bantu is a renowned Professor of Psychology at Kabale University and the Vice President of the World Council for Psychotherapy, representing the African continent at the United Nations on mental health issues. Over the past 15 years, he has been a significant figure at both international and local conferences, where he has presented numerous groundbreaking papers. His dedication to advancing mental health is also evident in his role in establishing the Centre of Excellence for Psychotraumatology at Kampala International University, in collaboration with the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and Hamburg-Eppendorf.

Professor Bantu’s visionary leadership extends to his initiation of the "Knowledge for Tomorrow" cooperative research project in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has a storied career in academia and mental health, having served as the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kampala International University and collaborating with the UN on various mental health initiatives.

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A key part of his work includes a focus on community outreach and addressing stress among adolescents. Through these efforts, Professor Bantu underscores the critical role of inclusive community engagement in fostering mental wellness across different societal segments.

Dr. Sabina Berretta is a prominent neuroscientist who began her research training at the University of Catania, Italy, under Dr. V. Perciavalle. She then joined the laboratory of Dr. A. M. Graybiel at MIT's Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, focusing on neural circuitry linking the motor cortex to the basal ganglia. In 1997, she moved to McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School to explore GABAergic abnormalities in schizophrenia under Dr. F. Benes. As the director of the Translational Neuroscience Laboratory and the scientific director of the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, Dr. Berretta's research concentrates on the pathophysiology of major psychoses, particularly emphasizing extracellular matrix abnormalities in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Her work aims to elucidate these mechanisms to foster new treatments for psychotic conditions.

Dr. Jamaine Davis, an Associate Professor at Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University, leads a research lab that delves into the fundamental roles of proteins in cellular processes. Proteins, being crucial regulators of life, engage in constant interactions with various molecules to mediate cell proliferation. His research focuses on understanding how cells respond to external stimuli and how these responses activate pathways that are vital for protecting our genome.

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Beyond his lab work, Dr. Davis is deeply committed to community health, particularly in managing stress among teenagers and understanding health disparities. His involvement extends to exploring significant community health issues, such as the motivators and barriers for COVID-19 research participation within Black communities. His findings highlight a public desire for accessible and reliable scientific communication. Applying these insights to Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Davis investigates whether improving public understanding of basic science can increase engagement and willingness to participate in clinical trials. This effort not only bridges the gap between laboratory research and community health needs but also underscores his dedication to supporting youth and addressing mental health disparities through informed community outreach.

Ms. Brenda Nalwanga received her bachelor's degree from Ndejje University. She is currently working at Makerere University under the mentorship of Dr. Sam Kalungi. Ms. Nalwanga is also the director of the organization Women of Purpose International in Boston and Uganda. Recently, Ms. Nalwanga created a mental health summit where Pastors, Imams, and research scientists came together to talk about mental health in Uganda. 

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In her efforts to directly address community stress, Ms. Nalwanga also works to engage various segments of the community, including religious leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals, in conversations about mental health. By doing so, she helps to build a supportive environment that acknowledges and addresses the sources of stress affecting adolescents. Her work aims not only to educate but also to create strong networks of support, making mental health resources more accessible and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help. Through these community-based strategies, Ms. Nalwanga empowers adolescents to better manage stress and contributes to the overall health and resilience of the community.

Dr. Elsie C. Spencer is a distinguished faculty member at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she oversees many cross-functional responsibilities, including pre-and post-award grant administration, human resource management, and graduate student personnel administration. A proud Cuban American and native New Yorker, Dr. Spencer is a first-generation college graduate who earned her Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania and her M.P.A. from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. Dr. Spencer's work is deeply rooted in international higher education, focusing on diversity and equity initiatives at higher learning institutions. Her passion extends beyond the classroom, as she is actively involved in supporting international well-being in East Africa, particularly in raising awareness about stress among youth populations.In her efforts to address global challenges, Dr. Spencer has been instrumental in developing programs that promote mental health awareness and stress management techniques for young people in East African communities. She recognizes the unique stressors faced by youth in developing nations and works tirelessly to create culturally sensitive interventions that can help mitigate these challenges.