Looking for a job

Irene Phoebe Akitwi

@irenephoebeakitwi

Applied AI Research Associate at Deep Learning IndabaX Uganda, developing predictive models and computer vision pipelines for digital healthcare.

Uganda

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm seeking to contribute to innovative AI initiatives that advance machine learning applications, solve complex global challenges, and deliver socio-economic outcomes. I want to apply my expertise in data science, predictive modeling, and academic mentorship.

At Deep Learning IndabaX Uganda, I lead applied AI and machine learning research, developing predictive models and computer vision pipelines for areas including digital healthcare. I also apply agent-based modeling and statistical analysis to simulate aid distribution strategies and evaluate policy impacts.

I author and publish academic research, presenting findings at regional AI workshops, lab meetings, and conferences. I also support research capacity across African higher education institutions through collaborative programs, technical mentorship, and access to high-performance computational resources.

As Research Team Lead (Volunteer) at Divas in AI, I lead interdisciplinary research teams working on community-driven machine learning solutions and mentor early-career researchers and women in STEM. Earlier, I worked in product and associate design, conducting UX research and designing interfaces and user journeys for digital platforms.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Research Team Lead

Current

Divas in AI

Jan 2026 - Present (10 months)

Lead interdisciplinary research teams in designing and deploying applied machine learning models for community-driven AI solutions. Oversee end-to-end research lifecycles, data collection frameworks, and model evaluation protocols, and mentor early-career researchers and women in STEM.

Machine Learning Research Leadership Data Collection Model Evaluation Mentorship STEM Education

Current

Research Associate

Current

Deep Learning IndabaX Uganda

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 10 months)

Lead applied AI and machine learning research initiatives, developing predictive models and computer vision pipelines for high-impact domains across Africa. Author and publish academic research findings, present at workshops and conferences, and advance research capacity in African higher education institutions.

Machine Learning Deep Learning Computer Vision predictive modeling Agent Based Modeling Statistical Analysis Python Research Mentorship

Product Designer

Studio 4852

Jan 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year 11 months)

Led Human-Centered Design and usability research to increase user adoption. Designed intuitive user interfaces and complex interaction workflows for digital platforms, and executed UX research and usability evaluations.

Human Centered Design Usability Research UI Design UX Research User Journeys Wireframing Collaboration

Associate Designer

Ubunifu Systems

Jan 2021 - Dec 2022 (1 year 11 months)

Conducted qualitative UX research and usability evaluations to inform client platform designs. Designed intuitive user interfaces and graphic layouts for web and mobile applications, and produced publication layouts and technical documentation.

UX Research Usability Testing UI Design Graphic Design User Journeys Wireframing

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Nkumba University

Master of Information Systems & Technology, Information Systems & Technology

Master of Information Systems & Technology, graduated October 2026. Thesis on predictive public health analytics for malaria outbreaks in Pallisa District.