Schola Matovu

I am a gerontological nursing researcher, professor, and social scientist, working to advance science and contribute to alleviating social injustices such as poverty, gender and health inequalities within the global community. Through advocacy, service and empowerment, I strive to advance the nursing profession and promote health, well-being & quality of life of older adults, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities. In my research, I draw from a vast professional experience to ask culturally appropriate research questions and intervention designs. My foundational research explored the experiences and psychosocial well-being of Ugandan grandparent-caregivers for grandchildren affected by HIV/AIDS in Uganda. My current research goals include designing and testing person- centered, community/family-based, and culturally-appropriate psychosocial interventions tailored to the wellbeing of grandparent-caregivers. I have engaged in professional and global health experiences both in Uganda and US that promote health, well-being & quality of life of older adults, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities. I cofounded and am the Executive Director of Nurse-to-Nurse Global Initiative, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote health and dignity of marginalized patient populations by empowering and advancing the leadership and professional development of the nurses that serve them. I have received various acknowledgements of my global health efforts which reaffirm the significance of my work. For example, I was recently awarded the Early Career Global Health Scientist Award by the UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences. My expertise includes research project design and management, data analysis, conceptual models and design, classroom management, lesson planning, and grant writing. In my free time, I love to explore different cultures through traveling, appreciation for performing art (music, dance and drama), and sampling (not cooking) cultural cuisines.