Meet the Interim Team

Prof. Jude Kong is a professor in the Mathematics & Statistics Department at York University and the founding Director of the Africa-Canada Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Consortium (ACADIC). Additionally, he is the Executive Director of the Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidermic Preparedness and Response Network and the Regional Node Liaison to the steering committee of the Canadian Black Scientist Network (CBSN). He obtained his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Alberta, his MSc. in Engineering mathematics from the University of Hamburg-Germany and the University of L’Aquila-Italy. His B.Sc. in Computer Science and Mathematics was acquired at the University of Buea-Cameroon and his Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree in Mathematics was earned at the University of Yaounde-Cameroon. Before joining York University, he did a postdoc at Princeton University. Dr. Kong is an expert in artificial intelligence, data science, mathematical modelling, infectious disease modelling and mathematics education. His principal research program focuses on the use of artificial intelligence, data science, mathematical models and other quantitative methods to improve decision-making for clinical public health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been leading an interdisciplinary team of more than 52 researchers from key academic and government institutions in nine African countries that have been using Artificial intelligence to help government and local communities to contain and manage the spread of COVID-19. In 2020, he won a York Research Leader Award. In 2021 he was spotlighted among Canadian Innovation Research Leaders 2021 for his work with ACADIC. In 2022, he was spotlighted as a Change Maker by People of YU for his work in helping others learn mathematical concepts and encouraging them to find their passion and achieve more than they thought was possible. He is an Area Editor of the Data & Policy Journal where he focuses on Data Technologies and Analytics for Policy and Governance.

Ms. Liswa Luhlanga, Graduated from York University with a Master of Political Science and a post Graduate Diploma in Democratic Administration. She holds a double major Honours Degree in Communications Studies and Human Rights and Equity Studies. Previously, she earned a Diploma in Law Studies at the University of Swaziland. She is also the Founder and inagural National Coordinator of the Swaziland Young Women’s Network (SYWON) a feminist organization committed to building leadership skills and advocating for Sexual Reproductive Health Rights of Young Women. She also has a proven history of feminist organizing, lobbying and advocacy at national and regional level. 

During the period 0f 2012 to 2014, she served the Swazi civil society as the Chairperson of the Gender Consortium at national level. Her highlights as a CSO leader was championing the first ever Swaziland Alternative Shadow report to the UN-CEDAW Committee in Geneva. 

Victor is a passionate , thoughtful and driven individual with a bachelors in B.tech Applied Microbiology who has been particularly enthusiastic about everything Digital Technology and this, he developed himself in. Of all that Victor does, he found special love for Web design and developing Data-driven growth strategies for organizations.

He has served as a Digital Skills Trainer through the Google Digital Skills for Africa project that saw over 6 million people trained across Africa over a period of 5 years. He has trained individuals on how to optimize their use of the web, master digital tools, establish their online presence, and sustain a stable virtual life in the four-screen world.

Through his experience as a community manager at OmicsLogic Africa and MindtheGap Nigeria, Victor has honed skills in community engagement, community penetration for action, and cultivating and sustaining partnerships with collaborating organizations.

In his most recent role as Head of Content and Marketing at Tevuna Limited, he has developed skills in marketing, SEO, and analytics to assist the company to increase visibility and enhance business decision-making.