Dr. Elizabeth Onyango is currently a SSHRC Research Fellow at the Balsillie School of International Affairs and Wilfrid Laurier University working in the MiFood research project. Her research work focuses on examining the different drivers, dimensions, and vulnerabilities of internal and international migrant to food insecurity in the global south. In her recent role as a Queen Elizabeth Scholar (QES) and postdoctoral fellow at Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) with the Hungry Cities Partnership, Dr. Onyango’s research work focused on the role of formal and informal social protection systems in boosting food security status of urban households and effects of COVID-19 on household food security.

Dr. Onyango is and alumnus of University of Waterloo where she completed her PhD in Health Geography in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management. Her PhD. dissertation project, “Exploring Health and Wellbeing in a Low-to-Middle Income Country: A Case Study of Kenya.” explored the health and wellbeing indicators that matter to Kenyans of different ages and genders from different regions in the country and revealed the pertinent role of food security, gender-based violence, livelihood options, and social connections in defining health and wellbeing.

Dr. Onyango’s research interests include population health and well-being research in the global south with a focus on livelihoods and food insecurity, gender-based violence, youth development, maternal and child health and environmental health issues including sanitation and hygiene. Dr. Onyango is also passionate about community service and has worked in different capacities both as a Rotarian and a project coordinator in service to her community. Dr. Onyango is currently an associate member of Tshepo Institute for the Study of Contemporary Africa and a board member of African Community Wellness Initiative a Waterloo Region based grassroot initiative.