MMUST Scholar Dr. Rose Opiyo Recognized for Outstanding Collaborative Research at the 28th ISSBD Biennial Conference in South Korea
MMUST scholar Dr. Rose Opiyo has been recognized by the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development (ISSBD) for her outstanding contribution to collaborative research. This recognition was done during the 28th ISSBD Biennial Conference held in Incheon City, South Korea. Dr. Opiyo was awarded for her collaborative research project titled ‘Pathways to Educational Attainment and Mental Health in Teen Parents,’ which is supported under the ISSBD 2×2 Early Career Grant. The project seeks to advance understanding of the factors that influence educational attainment and mental health outcomes among teen parents, with the goal of generating evidence to inform interventions and policy.
Dr. Rose Opiyo together with her research partner Emily B. Reilly display their certificates.
She received the award alongside her research collaborator, Emily B. Reilly, in acknowledgement of their exemplary partnership and commitment to advancing impactful international research. Their collaboration exemplifies the significance of cross-institutional research in addressing societal challenges through rigorous scientific research.
Dr. Rose Opiyo makes a presentation during the conference.
During the conference, Dr. Opiyo presented two scholarly works addressing critical issues affecting adolescent mothers and young people. Her symposium paper, ‘From Childhood to Adulthood: Developmental Pathways to Educational Achievement and Mental Health Among Teen Parents,’ co-authored with Emily B. Reilly and Kenneth A. Dodge, examined the long-term educational and mental health trajectories of teenage parents. The study provides valuable evidence to inform interventions, strengthen support systems, and guide public policy aimed at improving outcomes for adolescent parents.
Dr. Rose Opiyo together with her research partner Emily B. Reilly.
Her second presentation was a policy-focused research paper titled, ‘Screen Time, Social Media, and Adolescent Mental Health: What Science Says and What Policymakers Can Do.’ This paper is co-authored as part of a policy brief for the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences. It has been published in SAGE (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/23727322261459600?download=true) .It reviews current scientific evidence on the relationship between digital media use and adolescent mental health, translating complex behavioral science into practical, evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, educators and other stakeholders. The publication shows Dr. Opiyo’s commitment to producing research that extends beyond academic discourse to inform policy and contribute to improved outcomes for adolescents globally.
Dr. Rose Opiyo together with other researchers during the 28th Biennial ISSBD Conference.
In addition to attending the conference, Dr. Opiyo also joined other Kenyan researchers at the Embassy of Kenya in the Republic of Korea, where the Kenya’s Ambassador to South Korea- Prof. Emmy Jerono Kipsoi hosted the Kenyan delegation. This was to recognize their participation in the international scientific forum.
Kenyan researchers hosted by the Kenya’s Ambassador to South Korea- Prof. Emmy Jerono Kipsoi.
Dr. Opiyo’s recognition underscores MMUST’s continued efforts in strengthening its global research profile. Her achievement elevates the University’s global visibility and affirms the quality of research undertaken by MMUST scholars in addressing issues of national and international significance.
By Linet Owuor
Photos [Courtesy]
