#succeedweMUST

The title of this post is the motto for the university where I'm based, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). The institution began in 1989 and is one of eight public universities in Uganda. The majority of the tracks that students can follow revolve around science and include the Faculties of Medicine, Science and Applied Sciences and Technology and the Institutes of Computer Science, Tropical Forest Conservation and Interdisciplinary Training and Research (where I work). Currently, there's about 3,000 undergraduate students and 50 graduate students.

Front of the building where I work - our institute is on the 3rd floor (the dogs are alive, just snoozing in the sun)

The university also houses a teaching hospital which has strong and robust partnerships with Harvard  University and Massachusetts General Hospital. Almost every other expat that I've met here is somehow connected to the health/medical community and is involved in projects with Healthy Child Uganda, the Global Health Collaborative, the Red Cross and UNHCR.

The Institute of Interdisciplinary Training and Research hopes to promote research, skills and coursework across several different fields of study to address community needs from a variety of perspectives. The programs that are offered (and the students who I will be mainly working with) include a B.S. in Planning and Community Development, a B.S. in Gender and Applied Women Health, and a B.S. in Agricultural Livelihoods and Farm Production.

Walking down the driveway to the building where I work

The dean of the institute, Dr. Viola Nyakato, is my immediate supervisor and host coordinator. She is a whirlwind of activity, accomplishment and energy and it's been great to be connected to her and her research projects. Her current research group consists of an American Fulbrighter and a few Ugandan graduate students focused on community health and women's sexual and reproductive health.

I have an office (in the copy room along with the Fulbrighter) in the upper campus and am in charge of the "American Center" room in the library in the lower campus. Since there have been two ELFs before me, everybody is familiar with the role and expectations, which has made the transition smooth. A student came and found me yesterday to ask when "Book Club" was starting up again and, after helping me find a usable space and resources, we're starting tonight. Later, he sent me this message: "I have always been anxious about meeting you and eagerly waiting for the start of book club. Helping you is the least thing I can do in appreciation to what [the previous ELF] did for us. I know that you too will give us unforgettable moments."  There are big shoes to fill here, and I'm excited to get started trying to fill them.