Ibrahim Luberenga

Global mental health specialist and researcher with expertise in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), refugee mental health, and community-based interventions in humanitarian and low-resource settings. PhD candidate in Human Development and Family Studies (Couple and Family Therapy) with a strong foundation in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, and mixed-methods research. Demonstrated experience coordinating field-based research and MHPSS programs in East African refugee contexts, including leading needs assessments, managing data collection, and translating evidence into policy and practice. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, government and non-governmental stakeholders, and international research partners to strengthen mental health systems and service delivery. Skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis, technical reporting, and knowledge management, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications on global mental health and psychosocial interventions. Committed to advancing evidence-based, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approaches to improve mental health outcomes among vulnerable populations.

• Published 10+ peer-reviewed research articles in international journals, contributing to evidence on mental health and education-related outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
• Collaborated with international research teams to conduct studies on refugee mental health and education systems in Uganda.
• Coordinated field-based research in Nakivale refugee settlement, supervising data collection and managing research assistants for an international project.
• Contributed to a funded research project ($20,000) focused on strengthening mental healthcare capacity and training in Uganda.
• Served as Guest Academic Editor for PLOS Mental Health, supporting peer review and editorial decision-making processes.
• Taught and managed multiple undergraduate courses at Michigan State University, engaging diverse student populations.
• Assisted in delivering large-enrollment courses of up to 400 students, supporting instruction and assessment.
• Delivered 5+ guest lectures on topics including wellbeing, family systems, and empirical research methods.
• Designed and facilitated classroom discussions integrating global and African perspectives into course content.
• Served on the University Student Hearing Board, contributing to institutional decision-making and student conduct review processes.
• Participated in the International Speakers Program, delivering presentations to community groups and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
• Supported outreach efforts to recruit and mentor international student speakers.
• Awarded multiple competitive fellowships totaling over $10,000 in research and academic support.
• Recognized as a top-performing student in Uganda and recipient of a government-funded undergraduate scholarship.
• Provided therapy services to individuals, couples, and families in a clinical training setting at Michigan State University.
• Delivered group-based and individual psychological interventions at Butabika National Mental Hospital in Uganda.
• Facilitated community-based mental health support and trauma-informed care interventions.

• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
• National Council on Family Relations

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship
• Core Skills Training in Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training

• International Speakers Program – Michigan State University
• Community Volunteers for International Programs
• Present on cultural perspectives and global mental health issues to community groups and schools.
• Promote cross-cultural understanding between international students and local communities.

• Doctoral Therapist
• Couple & Family Therapy Clinic | Michigan State University | 2023 – Present
• Provide therapy services to individuals, couples, and families using systemic and evidence-based approaches.
• Work under supervision to address relational, trauma-related, and mental health concerns.
• Master’s Therapist
• Butabika National Mental Health Hospital | Uganda | 2022 – 2023
• Delivered individual and group therapy for patients experiencing various mental health conditions.
• Participated in multidisciplinary mental health treatment planning and clinical supervision.

• Luberenge, I., Kasujja, R., Vasanthan, L. T., Dwanyen, L., A. A., Sanghiv, A., E., & Joseph, L. J. H. (2026). Characteristics and Outcome Domains of Mental Health Awareness Programs for Workplace Well-Being in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. Journal of Global Health Action
• Luberenge, I., Tseng, C. F., Umugwaneza, M., Alpesh Sanghiv, A., Ndeezi, M., Kasujja, R., & Dwanyen, L. (2025). Mental health interventions for refugees in Africa: a scoping review of implementation and motivations. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 16(1), 2498688.
• Alipanga, B., & Luberenge, I. (2023). Reconciliation Programs from the Experiences of War-Affected Persons in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 1-23. Online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2023.2264762
• Luberenge, I., Kasujja, R., Vasanthan, L. T., Nyende, A., Tumwebaze, E., & Joseph, L. J. H. (2023). Mental health awareness programmes to promote mental well-being at the workplace among the workforce in the low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol. BMJ open, 13(7), e073012.
• Ndeezi, I., Gloria, P., Alipanga, B., Luberenge, I., Kohrt, B., & Kasujja, R. (2024). Integrating EQUIP competency-based training into a university curriculum: A qualitative inquiry with students and faculty at Makerere University in Uganda. Frontiers in Education, section Educational Psychology.
• Dwanyen, L., Luberenge, I., Asimwe, R., Galukande, P., Blow, A., & Kasujja, R. (2024). Voices from the ground: Qualitative perspectives on Ugandan national mental health system strengths, challenges, and recommendations. PLOS Mental Health, 1(6), e0000077.

• Alliance for African Partnership Research Fellowship – Michigan State University
• Hiram E. Fitzgerald Engaged Scholar Fellowship
• Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Teaching Fellowship – James Madison College