- 2 November 2023
- Current projects
Project Goal
This study aims to examine female students participation in STEM courses by investigating how gender inequality affects student placement and students' perceptions of AI in STEM programs and their eventual career placement.
Project’s summary
Despite current gender educational regulations and other interventions aimed at ensuring gender equity, equality and inclusion, it remains a major issue in Kenya. STEM education is intended to equip students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors required to thrive in an inclusive and sustainable society. A recent study by UNESCO shows that only 35% of all students enrolled in STEM related subjects at higher learning institutions are female students. This study intends to examine the participation of female students' in STEM courses by investigating how gender inequality affects student placement and students' perceptions of AI in STEM programs and eventual work placement. In addition, the study will investigate the ethical purpose and societal benefit of AI application use.
Project leader’s name Dr. Juliet Chebet Moso
Juliet Chebet Moso received the PhD degree in Computer Science from Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, France, a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from University of Nairobi and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Egerton University. She is currently a lecturer at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kenya. Dr. Moso is highly experienced in information systems audit, software development and delivery, business needs analysis, data analytics, modelling and reporting. She thrives on turning data patterns into business solutions with extensive experience in creating and executing a wide range of technological solutions to achieve goals while managing projects through all stages. She is actively engaged in funded projects and research. Her fields of interests include Machine learning, Data mining, Artificial Intelligence, Security and Privacy management especially for Mobile technology, Internet of Things, Smart farming, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Gender Equality and Inclusion.
The other team members
Dr. George Musumba is a Kenyan researcher and educator who has dedicated his career to addressing gender inequality in STEM education. With a focus on the Kenyan context, Dr. Musumba recognizes the significance of promoting gender inclusivity in STEM programs to unlock the country's economic potential and contribute to sustainable development. He holds a Doctorate in Computer Science, with a specialized interest in the intersection of STEM education, gender dynamics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). His research journey has revolved around understanding and addressing the challenges faced by female students in pursuing STEM courses, particularly in the realm of AI. He is a member of the "Black in AI" community, which is dedicated to increasing the representation of underrepresented individuals in AI research and projects. Additionally, his participation in "Mechanism Design for Social Good" underscores his commitment to leveraging STEM for positive societal impact.
Dr. Kinyua Gikunda Dr. Kinyua Gikunda’s qualifications include a doctoral degree in Computer Science from Université Paris8 - France, Master’s Degree in Computer Science from University of Nairobi - Kenya and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Kenyatta University - Kenya. His primary field of research is Artificial Intelligence (AI) with special interest in problems related to intelligent agents, computer vision, probabilistic modelling, machine learning and data mining, and their interdisciplinary applications in analytics, health, weather and climate, health and agriculture and impact of AI to the environment. He likes to explore the relationships between numbers and translating data into insights. With the availability of adequate data, the insights become actionable solutions and strategies, and he takes pride in his ability to make data accessible to both executive decision-makers and front-line operational staff. His research work blends both theoretical and practical aspects of problems.
Michael Kagiri is a Kenyan researcher and educator with a keen interest in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for development in education (ICT4D in Education). He is specifically interested in how ICT can be used to address gender inequality in STEM education and reduce the digital gender divide. Academically, Michael is a PhD candidate in Information Systems with a focus on ICT4D in education and health. His research interests include the role of technology in improving the quality of education and health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). He is also interested in the factors that hinder gender equality in STEM education and how ICT can be used to reduce these barriers.
Ms. Hellen Mwangi Mwangi is a researcher in the fields of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), an enthusiastic supporter of AI ethics, and a champion of gender inclusion. Her work and unwavering dedication to a more just and responsible future will change the technological landscape. Academically she is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Computer Science, with a specialized interest in IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Gender inclusion. Her young research journey has exposed her to understanding and addressing the challenges facing females in STEM careers. Hellen pursued her master’s degree in Information Systems at a prestigious university, where she was captivated by the potential of IoT to transform industries and societies with a specialization in IoT and AI. During her study, she observed the low number of women enrolled in the program, thus, she is passionate about bridging the Gender equality gap in STEM programmes. Beyond her academic endeavour, Hellen is a member of Organization of Women in Developing countries (OWSD)
Institution’s description
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), is a technology oriented public university providing and promoting quality education, research, innovation, technology development and transfer in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 aspirations. DeKUT’s mandate is to develop manpower for the economic, cultural, social, technological and scientific development of Kenya. It is a Science and Technology intensive University with over 80 % of its degree programmes being in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It offers a wide range of programmes both at undergraduate and postgraduate spread across Engineering, Health and Applied Sciences, Business Management and Economics, Computing, Food Science and Technology, Leather Technology, Geothermal Energy Technology. It strives to develop solutions to global challenges, working together with partners. The University has a Science and Technology Park (STP) which focuses on Bio-resources, design, manufacturing and materials, and ICT hardware and software. It also hosts a Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI). The Centre has undertaken projects around Health, environment, agriculture etc. In addition, the university has a directorate of Gender, Disability and Equity affairs with the objective of promoting fairness and inclusion by addressing gender and disability concerns in the university. Link of institution : https://www.dkut.ac.ke/
Link of institution : https://www.dkut.ac.ke/
