Enhancing Education in Health and Sciences in Nairobi, Kenya
Internship Outline 2016 - Introduction
The University of Toronto is working with the University of Nairobi to enhance education
in health and basic sciences by increasing opportunities for students to engage in
collaborative research at both institutions.
Overview of Internship Opportunity
The program will greatly contribute to student global awareness, and help students
enhance their skills in inter-cultural and in interdisciplinary collaboration. Students will
be exposed to a variety of health issues, research approaches and techniques that are
different from those in their home institution, challenging them to apply their skills in
new and unexpected ways.
Outline of Internship Project
Students will be hosted by the Department of Human Pathology, College of Health
Sciences, University of Nairobi (http://humanpathology.uonbi.ac.ke). Students will
participate in a research project that matches their skills and interests, while meeting
the strategic research goals of the department.
How does the completion of the internship assist the
organizations?
Both the University of Toronto and The University of Nairobi aim to strengthen their
existing collaboration by providing opportunities to students to engage in co-directed
research of mutual interest in the health sciences. The knowledge gained from
implementing this program will help both universities better design, plan and execute
curricula and build capacity in the health and basic sciences to better address the needs
of the global human population.
What tasks and responsibilities will the intern/scholar engage in?
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Conduct thorough literature reviews
Collect, summarize and analyze data
Prepare interview questions, articles, reports, presentations
Recruit and/or interview subjects
Maintain accurate data records
Provide ready access to all experimental data for the faculty researcher and/or
supervisor
Manage and respond to project related email
Prepare, maintain, and update research materials
Attend project meetings, seminars, other meetings as necessary
Summarize project results, and prepare progress reports as necessary
What skills would the intern need to have, in order to undertake
the project?
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Strong interpersonal skills, creativity and ability to mix with other people
Strong organizational skills
Strong writing skills and good analytical thinking ability
Research skills
Tolerance for ambiguity and change
Innovative, conceptual problem solver
Dynamic, open minded and flexible
Students should familiarize themselves with the Canadian Principles for Global
Health Research (http://www.ccghr.ca/resources/principles-global-healthresearch/)
Duration of placement
The project is ideally 12-16 weeks duration, across May 2nd – September 2nd 2016.
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