Interests
Rachel Maina PhD, MSc, BA
Clinical Psychologist and Psychometrician
We must create culturally appropriate brain health tools and support systems for diverse and underserved populations, including those at high risk of dementia—such as people with Down syndrome.
Current Work
Rachel’s current work is in cross-cultural psychology techniques for integrating culturally aligned neurocognitive measures in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) along with culturally aligned cognitive recovery and support in LMICs to address inequalities in cognitive disparities.
Personal Hero
Arthur Benton, my mother
Words of Strength
Useful contribution, helping others
Vision
Rachel believes we must create culturally appropriate brain health tools and support systems that work for all communities, especially in underserved and culturally diverse regions, including populations at high risk of dementia such as individuals with Down syndrome.
Strategy
Rachel is adapting computerized brain testing tools for African communities, testing the psychometric properties of such tools and leading research on what helps people maintain healthy brains as they age especially in vulnerable populations.
Impact
Rachel aims to develop better brain health tools and programs for her country and among vulnerable populations such as those with intellectual deficits, and create sustainable partnerships to ensure equitable access to brain health services.
Motivation
Kenya faces critical gaps in culturally appropriate brain health tools, limited specialist training, and inadequate support systems, particularly affecting communities already vulnerable due to intellectual deficits. Rachel hopes address these gaps.
Education & Experience
Rachel earned her PhD from the Department of Methodology and Statistics in Tilburg University in The Netherlands, where she had rigorous training in psychometrics and cultural adaptation of neurocognitive tools. Earlier she earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. After her PhD, she joined the Child and Mind Institute as a Postdoctoral Fellow in child and adolescent global mental health where she supported development of a neurocognitive battery for South Africans. She also worked as a Research Associate and later consultant at Aga Khan University's Brain and Mind Institute, focusing on culturally appropriate brain health tools for underserved populations.
Awards & Honors
Alzheimer’s Association International Conference
Psychometrics of Neurocognitive Tools
Send
Rachel
a NoteHave ideas for global brain health or a collaboration? I would love to hear from you. Feel free to send an introductory note.
