Career journey and aspirations
I am an atmospheric scientist committed to leveraging my expertise to contribute towards developing scalable solutions for environmental challenges in resource-strained settings in Africa and the global South. My research focuses on air pollution in African cities, largely concerned with air quality network development, air pollution sources, air quality management, and advancing the critical interface between science and policy.
Since 2018, I have had the privilege of working with AirQo, a multidisciplinary research group based in Africa that is at the forefront of advancing new and innovative approaches for tackling urban air pollution in Africa. The AirQo team is housed at Makerere University's Department of Computer Science; Makerere is also my alma mater. In my current role, I provide scientific and technical oversight to the AirQo team. In the same capacity, I contribute to training the next generation of scientists through direct co-supervision of undergraduate and graduate student research projects. Furthermore, I am involved in the co-design and implementation of post-doctoral research projects.
I take pride in my commitment to contributing to science and public policy, and as part of this dedication, I serve as a guest lecturer and provide mentorship to emerging leaders from universities and other academic institutions around the world.
As part of my work, I actively engage with diverse stakeholder constituencies including policymakers, intergovernmental agencies, international organisations and development partners, to shape and inform research and policy directions globally. As a scientific expert, I have directly contributed to the development of contextual frameworks to advance the air quality and climate agenda including the UNEA 6/10 resolution on advancing regional cooperation for air quality, the East Africa vehicular emission limits, the first air quality regulations for Uganda, Climate Technology Development and Transfer under the Paris Agreement, among others. I also convene the CLEAN-Air Forum, an emerging regional community of practice in Africa for cross-border and multilateral knowledge sharing and partnerships
Outside atmospheric science
About my name
As someone raised Catholic, my first name carries a Latin origin. Deo is derived from Deogratias, which is Latin for "thanks be to God". While I was baptized as Deogratias, I opted to go by 'Deo' due to teachers’ concerns that I might struggle to remember the correct spelling.
Family relations
Relations: I am a ‘middle child’ and was raised in a typical African family (more than 10 children), and I make an effort to foster connections with every family member, although I am probably closer to a few of them.
Childhood dreams: In my younger years, I harbored a rare ambition of becoming the Pope, yes, the Pontiff himself. Interestingly, I recently discovered that I technically remain eligible to be the Pope. However, I am happily married and divide my time between Uganda and Europe for family reasons.
Social Lifestyle
Sleep habits: Working across different time zones offers a convenient excuse for not adhering to a regular sleep schedule. However, I acknowledge that this is an aspect I am working on improving. Going to bed past midnight every day is a habit I'm not particularly proud of.
Communication: When it comes to communication, I strive to be as adaptable as possible. However, if you reach out to me simultaneously through text and email, you'll likely receive a quicker response via email. While I maintain an active presence on Twitter, I primarily utilize social media platforms for professional purposes.
Social interactions: I enjoy engaging in light-hearted conversations and sharing soft humor. Initiation of conversations, even in confined spaces like an elevator, is something that comes naturally to me.
On the contrary, I am quite conservative when it comes to the size of my immediate social circle. I tend to gravitate towards cultivating long-term friendships, valuing the depth and enduring nature of these connections. Nonetheless, I consider myself very lucky to have made friends and meaningful connections in different parts of the world.
A rare momemnt with a considerable number of childhood connections in one physical space
Love for sports: During my teenage years, I possessed considerable athletic abilities and actively engaged in various sports, including track and field. I still enjoy playing football socially, particularly as a goalkeeper. While I struggle to keep up with sports, and I have only watched a single Premier League game in the last 3 years. However, I can watch the national football/soccer team play for 90 minutes.
Typical evening: When it comes to evening engagements, I relish the opportunity to dine out. A restaurant or pub, preferably set within a hotel, creates the perfect ambiance for me. Additionally, I have a fondness for white wine, which pairs well with a delectable meal.
This photo is special for three reasons: 1) My first ever-vegeterian only meal in a restaurant, 2). We (well, Rainer did) drove 8 hours from Los Angeles to San Francisco to meet Amy, a senior professional colleague I had only known virtually. 3). We dined at the Greens Restaurant (highly recommend) overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge
Travels: I have travelled to countries in North America, Europe, South East Asia, Middle East and Africa, for studies, professional engagement and adventure. I am presently splitting time between Europe and Africa for family and professional reasons
Personal ideology and philosophy
Love for nature: Animals hold a special place in my heart, and I regret not having any pets at the moment. I am genuinely conflicted about (not) being a vegetarian
Involvement in politics: I have a keen interest in global politics and often have something to contribute to discussions on the topic. For instance, Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons is akin to a captivating TV show for me. It's safe to say that I possess a considerable political inclination; who knows, maybe I will run for office at some point in time.
Ask me anything else you'd like to know.