Trisha Kibugi came to DGHI’s Master of Science in Global Health program hoping to hone her skills in epidemiological research. At Duke, she found a home in the Transdisciplinary Otolaryngology Research, Community Health and Equity (TORCHE) program, a research initiative focused on investigating disparities in the incidence, risk factors and mental health outcomes of head and neck cancer patients. Led by Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, Ph.D., an associate professor of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Population Health Sciences and Global Health, the team has been at the forefront of documenting the challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis, which can include a high rate of suicidal ideation.
Kibugi’s research, which focused on how cancer patients’ partner status affects suicide risk, earned her two awards at a spring 2026 conference of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS). Her master's thesis further explored the intersection of chronic pain and suicide risk. She also helped lead a Duke Bass Connections project that used data-driven research to identify strategies for improving middle-aged adults' willingness to seek vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers, and presented the project at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in San Diego in Spring 2026.
Kibugi with her mentor, Dr. Nosayaba...
"Kibugi served as a teaching assistant for the undergraduate course, “Race, Genomics and Society,” which enrolled 140 students across the spring and fall semesters. This spring, she was elected to participate in the Graduate School’s Emerging Leaders Institute.
A graduate of Bates College, Kibugi attended Duke with support from the Roothbert Fund, a New York-based nonprofit that provides scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study. After graduating, she will join a health consulting firm, where she will perform epidemiological research and analyze data to help shape decisions about pharmaceutical market access and other health interventions.
In a few words, how would you describe your experience in global health at Duke?
I came to DGHI looking for growth, and I found it.
What was your favorite memory from your global health studies?
My favorite DGHI experience was traveling to New Orleans for the American Psychosocial Oncology Society Annual Conference with my TORCHE Lab colleagues. I gave a podium presentation on the association between partner status and suicide risk among cancer patients using SEER database analysis, and co-presented a poster with my lab mate Caitlyn Martindale. I was honored to receive both the Early Career Travel Award and Poster Award at the conference. What made this experience so meaningful was being part of the TORCHE Lab under Dr. Osazuwa-Peters' mentorship — it's a team that's deeply committed to improving outcomes for head and neck cancer patients, and I'm grateful every day to do research alongside such passionate, and supportive researchers.
Kibugi and colleagues at the American...
Is there a lesson you’ve learned from your global health experience that you will carry with you?
Always advocate for yourself, and cherish the people who believe in you as much as you believe in them. Your circle matters so fill it with your biggest fans.
As you graduate, is there something for which you’re particularly grateful?
The chance to develop my research skills, form meaningful friendships, and call a new city home. Duke gave me room to grow in ways I didn't expect, and I'll carry that with me always.
