OUR TEAM
Our team at the ESKE Project spans the United Kingdom and Zambia, bringing together professionals from prestigious institutions such as Brunel University London, Cooperbelt University, the University of Zambia, the United Nations, the Zambia Government, and more. With diverse professional, academic, and personal backgrounds, we foster a wealth of perspectives and expertise.
With team members hailing from various cultures and backgrounds, we embrace the richness that multiculturalism brings. Our collaboration goes beyond geographical boundaries as we constantly exchange impressions, inputs, and questions. This vibrant exchange of ideas allows us to explore different angles, challenge assumptions, and ultimately deliver innovative solutions.
This collaborative spirit forms the foundation of our project's smooth path. We understand that effective teamwork goes beyond physical proximity, as our team members are spread across continents. Thanks to advanced communication technologies and a shared dedication, we maintain constant connectivity, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient progress toward our goals.
We strive to break barriers, defy limitations, and make a lasting impact. We are united by our collective vision and driven by our shared determination to make a difference in Student Knowledge Exchange. With our diverse expertise, unwavering support, and constant exchange of ideas, we are confident in our ability to navigate challenges and achieve remarkable outcomes.
Meet Our Multicultural Team of Experts
Uniting Diverse Perspectives and Professions for Project Excellence
Dr. Mary Richards
Project LeaderDr. Mary Richards serves as the Principal Investigator for the Evaluating Student Knowledge Exchange (ESKE) project. Collaborating closely with Copperbelt University, the University of Zambia, the Department of Resettlement, and UNDP, Mary is driving impactful research and collaboration. With a background in education leadership and program development, Mary has made…
Mrs. Mandekh Hussein
Co-investigatorMandekh Hussein serves as a co-investigator in the ESKE project. She is driven by initiatives grounded in collaboration, sustainability, and ownership and prioritises efforts centred on equipping individuals and communities with the resources, skills and opportunities to actualize their vision, find new opportunities and widen their horizons. Currently, she is…
Dr. Emelda Miyanda Hachoofwe
Co-investigator and Project Lead for Cooperbelt University ChapterPh.D. in Philosophy in Public and Development Management from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. MSc in Forests and Livelihood (University of Copenhagen), MSc in Agroforestry (Bangor University), BSc in Agroforestry (Copperbelt University), Dip Sustainable tropical forestry (University of Copenhagen ), Dip Forestry (Zambia Forestry College). I have been working…
Dr. Ximena Schmidt
Co-investigatorDr. Ximena Schmidt Rivera is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Brunel University London and an independent sustainability research consultant. As a chemical engineer and a life cycle sustainability expert, she has vast experience working on multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary projects assessing the sustainability aspects of food systems at national…
Mr. Justin Munyaka
Project ConsultantJustin Munyaka is an International Consultant, a partner in the ESKE Project with Brunel University London, the University of Zambia, the Copperbelt University and the Government of Zambia where he has devoted 70% of his practice to improved programme delivery of multi-sectoral projects. He has extensive experience in unusual community…
Mrs. Gabriela Bazzo
Research AssistantGabriela Bazzo is a Research Assistant specializing in qualitative methods, working on the ESKE Project to inform future initiatives in her field. With an academic background, including an MSc in International Migration and Public Policy from the LSE and postgraduate studies in Politics and International Relations at FESPSP, she brings…
Dr. Olwenn Martin
Co-investigatorBuilding on an academic interdisciplinary background in both Natural Sciences (Chemistry, Environmental Sciences) and Social Sciences (Environmental Decision Making, Development Management, Environmental Policy), Olwenn brings a transdisciplinary dimension to the integration and translation of both fundamental and observational scientific evidence into policy. Her research focuses on environmental health, particularly pollution…
Dr. Shona Paterson
Co-investigatorWith a strong academic background in both Natural Sciences (Marine Biology, Resource Management) and Social Sciences (Climate Adaptation, Social Justice, Environmental Policy), Shona brings a transdisciplinary approach to her work. Her primary focus is on generating and translating research that is relevant to society and co-created with the intended beneficiaries.…