AMY MJEMA OMOLO
State College,PA
Summary
Resourceful graduate research assistant with a passion for advancing knowledge in social justice through high-quality research. Demonstrating self-motivation and a strong professional drive, possesses excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving abilities. Goal is to contribute to impactful research initiatives that promote social equity and drive positive change within communities.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Pennsylvania State University
08.2024 - Current
- Developed and executed social media campaigns for the department for optimal reach, engagement, and growth.
- Enhanced online presence with innovative marketing strategies tailored to specific target audiences.
- Collaborated with team members on building a library collection, ensuring consistent data collection methods and protocols.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Pennsylvania State University State College
01.2021 - 05.2023
- Taught Introduction to Contemporary Africa college-level courses for over fifty students.
- Supported instructors in grading exams and papers, maintaining accurate records of student performance throughout the semester.
- Mentored students through office hours and one-on-one communication.
Mentor
Zawadi Africa Education Fund
04.2017 - 04.2021
- Guiding post-secondary girls in applying for higher education opportunities abroad from SAT's tutoring to essay writing.
- Guided mentees in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice.
Contributor Writer
The Star, The Elephant
01.2019 - 07.2020
- Wrote, edited and produced stories for Internet and digital channels.
- Wrote and published articles for leading newspapers and magazines.
- Adapted writing style for diverse audiences across print, online, and multimedia platforms.
Telephone Researcher
University of London Careers Group
10.2015 - 06.2016
- Boosted response rates by building rapport with survey participants and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
- Safeguarded respondent privacy by maintaining strict confidentiality protocols in accordance with company policies and relevant laws.
Intern
International Rescue Committee, IRC
05.2013 - 06.2015
- Trained refugee clients to navigate the U.S job system from networking to interviewing.
- Streamlined data entry processes, significantly reducing manual errors.
- Developed organizational skills through managing multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines.
Education
MA - African Studies
School of Oriental And African Studies, University of London
London, UK12.2016
Ph.D. - Comparative Literature And African Studies
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA08.2025
BA - Political Science Economics Emphasis
Westminster College
06.2015
Skills
- Strong Research Skills
- Academic Presentations
- Analytical Thinking
- Self-Directed and Motivated
- Content Creation
- Literature reviews
- Research and analysis
- Writing
- Editing
- Team Work and Collaboration
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Human Rights Advocacy
Awards
2023 African Feminist Initiative Travel Grant
2023-2024 Center for Humanities and Information Predoctoral Fellowship
2023 International Literary Seminars (ILS)/Fence Fiction and Poetry
Contest, 2023 Fiction Runner up: “She Has a New Boyfriend”
2023 Summer Writing Fellowship, Penn State
2022 Summer Language Fellowship, Penn State
2021 Liberal Arts Scholarship
2019 BikoZulu Writing Masterclass, Masterclass Creative Writing Full
Scholarship
2015-2016 Allan and Nesta Ferguson Full Scholarship, SOAS, University of London
2011-2015 Zawadi Africa Education Fund Scholarship (for Westminster
College)
Languages
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Dholuo
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Pennsylvania State University
08.2024 - Current
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Pennsylvania State University State College
01.2021 - 05.2023
Contributor Writer
The Star, The Elephant
01.2019 - 07.2020
Mentor
Zawadi Africa Education Fund
04.2017 - 04.2021
Telephone Researcher
University of London Careers Group
10.2015 - 06.2016
Intern
International Rescue Committee, IRC
05.2013 - 06.2015
BA - Political Science Economics Emphasis
Westminster College
MA - African Studies
School of Oriental And African Studies, University of London
Ph.D. - Comparative Literature And African Studies
Pennsylvania State University
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