Mr. Kennedy Kipkoech | Infectious Disease Mathematical Modelling | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Kennedy Kipkoech | Infectious Disease Mathematical Modelling | Best Researcher Award

PhD student at Infectious Disease Mathematical Modelling, University of Bristol, Kenya

Mr. Kennedy Kipkoech is a career Biostatistician and Modeler with 14 years of experience in research and policy at health research institutions and government agencies. He can work with researchers, program implementers, and policymakers in scientific inquiries, generating and disseminating new knowledge to inform policy and programming. His research interests focus on using epidemiological methods and statistical and mathematical modeling approaches to understand transmission dynamics and control of infectious diseases, particularly the evaluation of the impact of program interventions on HIV, viral hepatitis, and non-communicable diseases epidemics.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Mr. Kennedy Kipkoech has a diverse academic background, including a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Statistics from Maseno University, Kenya, awarded with First Class Honors in 2008. He also holds a Master’s degree in Biostatistics from Moi University, Kenya, obtained in 2011. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Infectious Disease Modelling at the University of Bristol/Cape Town, expected to be completed in 2024.

Experience:

From March 2010 to June 2013, Mr. Kennedy Kipkoech worked as a Data Analyst at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRICGHR) in Kisumu, Kenya. In this role, he was responsible for statistical data analysis and data management, scientific writing of manuscripts and abstracts, developing data tools, and liaising with software developers to develop and test program data management systems. Following this, from July 2013 to August 2014, he served as a Biostatistician at the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Research Collaboration in Eldoret, Kenya. His responsibilities included statistical data analysis, protocol and proposal development, manuscript and abstract writing and review, and updating and reporting to the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) on an ad hoc basis. Subsequently, from September 2014 to April 2016, Mr. Kipkoech worked at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research (KEMRICGHR) in Kisumu, Kenya, as a Statistician. Here, he was involved in statistical data analysis, protocol and proposal development, manuscript and abstract writing and review, and design and implementation of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems for the program. He also provided training and mentorship to junior data staff.

Computing Skills:

Mr. Kennedy Kipkoech possesses a range of computing skills essential for his work. He is proficient in mathematical modeling software such as Estimation and Projection Package (EPP), Spectrum model (AIM, Goals and Resource Needs Model), Imperial College NCD model (C++ & Matlab), Incidence Pattern Model (R implementation), and DREAMS Cost and Impact Model. He is also skilled in various statistical packages including R, SAS, Stata, SPSS, and Geographic Information Systems (Q-GIS). Additionally, Mr. Kipkoech has experience with database management systems like MS Access and SQL Server. He is adept at using MS Office applications, has knowledge in graphic design, and is capable of hardware and software installation and maintenance.

Scholarships Awards:

Mr. Kennedy Kipkoech has received several scholarships and awards in recognition of his academic and professional achievements. These include the INSHU Conference registration scholarship award in Sydney, Australia in 2023, the ICASA Conference registration scholarship award in Durban, South Africa in 2021, and the University of Bristol, UK, and University of Cape Town, SA Cotutelle (dual) PhD award in 2019. He has also been awarded the RSTMH travel grant in 2017, the IAS Conference scholarship award in Durban, South Africa in 2016, and the HVR4P Conference scholarship award in Chicago, USA in 2016. Additionally, Mr. Kipkoech received the RSTMH travel grant in 2016 and 2015, and the 2015 HVTN Conference scholarship award in Cape Town, South Africa.