Officers & Staff
Afrisnet is nonprofit organization that is governed by a board of experts in research, teaching, and outreach. Our board members work with a dedicated staff team to ensure that the organization undertakes and accomplishes impactful projects according its mission. You may refer to our bylaws for a better understanding of Afrisnet’s structure, objectives, and mode of operation. Please, meet our Officers presented on this page.
Gabriel Muhire Gihana, PhD
President
Dr. Muhire Gihana is an HHMI Hanna Gray Postdoctoral Fellow at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Genome Cell and Developmental Biology from Indiana University Bloomington, USA. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from California Baptist University, where he graduated top of his class. Dr. Muhire Gihana is a co-founder of Afrisnet, together with Vincent Mwumvaneza. Dr. Muhire Gihana’s research focuses on understanding how cellular morphology and polarity affect cellular division and disease. He has received multiple fellowships and awards from Indiana University and elsewhere. Dr. Muhire Gihana was raised in Africa, where he grew up with limited academic and research opportunities. Through Afrisent, he strives to increase the exposure of African students to advanced research, with the goal of improving Africa’s participation in global research output and increase the student diversity in American graduate programs.
Victoria Perez, PhD
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Victoria Perez is an Assistant Professor at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. Dr. Perez earned her Ph.D. in managerial science and applied economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where her dissertation focused on the effects of private managed care on Medicaid. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Perez’s research interests include private and governmental financing of healthcare, insurance economics, and regulation. Her research has been published in Health Economics and the International Journal of Services, Economics and Management. She has also worked as a research assistant and programmer in the health policy division at Mathematica Policy Research. Dr. Perez believes competent African students deserve access to cutting-edge research, and so she joined Afrisnet to offer her contribution.
Antoinette Antwi, OD
Associate Program Coordinator
Dr. Antoinette Antwi obtained her optometry degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Physiological Optics/Vision Science at the University of Houston College of Optometry in Houston, Texas. Her research interests span dry eye, myopia control, contact lenses, and refractive technologies. Her current PhD research focuses on understanding the therapeutic mechanism of light-based therapies for dry eye management. She has experience in both clinical trials and basic science experiments. Having been successfully mentored by Afrisnet for her PhD application, Dr. Antwi has joined Afrisnet to give back and to offer similar guidance to competent African students. She enjoys mentorship and believes it allows her to positively impact others and equally learn from the process.
Isaac Takyi
Digital Manager
Mr. Isaac Takyi is a seasoned digital professional with a robust background in digital management, web development, and I.T consultancy. Drawing from extensive experience at Bibiniweb Solutions and The App Guys UK, Isaac seamlessly integrates technical expertise with strategic acumen. A Business Administration graduate from the University of Professional Studies Accra in Ghana, he excels as a Professional Administrator, emphasizing organizational efficiency and effective communication. In the realm of I.T consultancy, Isaac bridges technical innovation with business strategy, ensuring a comprehensive approach. Currently serving as the Digital Manager at Afrisnet, Isaac brings his passion for creativity and innovation to drive digital solutions aimed at developing the African continent. Committed to fostering excellence, Isaac believes in the transformative power of technology to uplift and empower communities.