Overview
I have a strong belief that all children diagnosed with cancer should have the same chance of cure regardless of where they live. Since 2014, i have spent six or more months per year in Mwanza, Tanzania, at the Bugando Medical Centre as part of the Duke Global Cancer Program. In addition to developing capacity for pediatric cancer care, my research focuses on creating interventions to improve outcomes and reducing treatment abandonment in low resource settings.
As a trained pediatric neuro-oncologist, I am also involved in neuro-oncology capacity development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and am collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in Tanzania to establish diagnostic and treatment opportunities for patients.
As a trained pediatric neuro-oncologist, I am also involved in neuro-oncology capacity development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and am collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in Tanzania to establish diagnostic and treatment opportunities for patients.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
·
2023 - Present
Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology,
Pediatrics
Associate Research Professor of Global Health
·
2023 - Present
Duke Global Health Institute,
University Institutes and Centers
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2020 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Prospective psychometric validation of the Swahili translated and adapted Pediatric Patient Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (Ped-PRO-CTCAE)
Journal Article Measurement and Evaluations in Cancer Care · December 2025 Full text CiteA peptide vaccine targeting the CMV antigen pp65 in children and young adults with recurrent high-grade glioma and medulloblastoma: a phase 1 trial.
Journal Article Nat Cancer · September 2025 The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen pp65 is expressed in high-grade glioma (HGG) and medulloblastoma but not in the adjacent brain. This single-arm phase 1 trial ( NCT03299309 ) assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a peptide vaccine (PEP-CMV) targ ... Full text Link to item CiteNutritional Status and Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicities in Children with Cancer: Implications for Care in Low-Resource Settings
Journal Article Bratislava Medical Journal · September 1, 2025 Background: Childhood cancer is an increasing public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where over 80% of new cases arise. Malnutrition is common in these settings and may worsen chemotherapy-induced toxicities. This scoping re ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Improving access to cancer care for children in Tanzania: Designing a health-systems intervention
ResearchAdvisor · Awarded by Fogarty International Center · 2022 - 2027Multimedia caregiver education program to improve outcomes for children with cancer in low-resource settings
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2023 - 2026Improving Chemotherapy Safe Handling at Bugando Medical Center
ResearchSignificant Contributor · Awarded by Perrysburg Rotary Service Foundation · 2022 - 2024View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Georgetown University, School of Medicine ·
2007
M.D.
West Virginia University ·
2002
M.P.H.