Drs. Moseki Motsholapheko and Paul Mensah Arrive at Duke University as Africa Initiative Visiting Scholars

This year, RISE-SSAWRN PhD graduates Moseki Motsholapheko and Paul Mensah (L to R, above; photos are linked to their RISE graduate webpages, names are linked to Duke sites) were selected as the spring semester Duke University Africa Initiative Visiting Scholars.

The Duke Africa Initiative (AI) is part of Duke University's global efforts and aims to increase the profile of Africa on the Durham campus. The AI – founded in 2011 with funding from the Provost and the Office of Global Strategy and Programs – brings together scholars across disciplines with an interest in Africa. As part of its mission, the AI sponsors programming featuring prominent Africanist scholars and contemporary figures, awards small grants to faculty members and students, provides funding for course development, and administers an annual Visiting Scholars Program.

The Visiting Scholars Program seeks to bring master's and doctoral-level students from across the African continent to have meaningful academic engagement with Duke University faculty members and students across a range of disciplines. As part of this program, the AI has established a partnership with RISE, seeking to invite RISE-network alumni as part of the visiting scholar cohort. During their time at Duke, AI Visiting Scholars have the opportunity to liaise with several departments and offices within the University. They also have access to Duke libraries, seminars, and lectures.

Dr. Motsholapheko arrived on March 22 and Dr. Mensah is set to arrive on April 5. During their time at Duke, they will be mentored by Professor Curtis Richardson of the Nicholas School of the Environment and the Wetlands Center and Professor Fred Boadu of the Pratt School of Engineering, respectively. Drs. Motsholapheko and Mensah will be on campus through late May.