ABOUT Hesborn Wao

Hesborn Wao leads the Individual Capacity Strengthening (ICS) portfolio within the Research and Related Capacity Strengthening (RRCS) Theme at APHRC. In this strategic leadership role, he serves as the principal architect of the Center’s internal and external capacity strengthening initiatives. His leadership encompasses the end-to-end design and execution of a sophisticated suite of initiatives, ranging from bespoke technical short courses and internships to visiting scholar programs and high-impact fellowship and mentorship programs. By steering the Center’s intellectual engagement platforms—including technical assistance, scientific journal clubs, and Brown Bag scientific presentations—he fosters a robust culture of continuous learning and academic excellence.

A seasoned researcher and program leader, Hesborn directs a multi-million-dollar portfolio of global health and education initiatives. He has led the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP), supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation; the WHO Human Reproduction Program (HRP) Alliance Hub, focused on long-term institutional development; and the NIH-funded Infectious Diseases in East Africa: A Behavioral and Economic Research Collaborative (IDEA-BERC). His work is at the forefront of integrating behavioral and economic research to address complex public health challenges in the region.

Hesborn’s leadership is informed by an extensive academic career, including a tenure as a professor at the University of South Florida. During his time in academia, he spearheaded graduate-level instruction, supervised doctoral research, and conducted extensive research and evaluation at the intersection of health and education. A Carnegie African diaspora fellow, he remains an influential voice in the global scientific community through his service on the editorial boards of BMC Public Health and Discover Education. His expertise in policy is further evidenced by his role as a founding committee member for the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Policy and Systems Research (Global HPSR) initiative.

A board-certified public health professional, Hesborn holds a PhD in Measurement and Evaluation, an MPH in Public Health Administration, and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida, as well as a BEd in Mathematics from the University of Nairobi. He is deeply committed to transforming the African research and development ecosystem by empowering the next generation of scholars and institutionalizing collaborative excellence across the continent.