34-year-old Mohamed “M.J.” James, a data scientist at The Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) has been appointed to Sierra Leone’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Group for Emergencies (STAGE) by H.E. President Julius Maada Bio.

James has developed code to help fight corruption and led the design of an economic data analytics tool that hosts time series data on national inflation, foreign exchange, imports, and exports.

As a data scientist, he collects data for analysis, processes, and visualization. He builds machine learning models to support government leaders with decision making. 

James and the team of data scientists and developers at DSTI have been integral to the design and development of technological solutions to support the ICT pillar of the national COVID-19 response. Together with private sector tech ecosystem players, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the Ministry of Information and Communication, and development partners, they have created a registration App for the Emergency Operation Center, a COVID-19 Public Information Portal, a Quarantine Data Dashboard, and a COVID-19 Surveillance Dashboard to enhance the work of frontline health workers. Others are developing tools to incorporate big data analytics into Sierra Leone’s response. 

“It has been my privilege to serve with other scientists and developers at DSTI, under the leadership of Dr. Sengeh to support President Bio’s vision to transform Sierra Leone into an innovation nation,” said James.

“This appointment will inspire and motivate me and the rest of DSTI. I was really surprised to be included amongst so many brilliant minds. I am humbled and grateful to President Bio for his commitment to highlighting and rewarding the contributions of young technical Sierra Leoneans.”

A release from the Office of the President, State House explained that the key functions of the STAGE would be to “provide real-time scientific advice, insights from research, and state of the art technological interventions for the considerations of H.E. the President and the Government of Sierra Leone.” James’ expertise in data analytics will be a critical contribution to the Advisory Group.

Other appointees to the STAGE include Dr. Nellie Bell, Dr. Austin Demby, Dr. Kande-Bure Kamara, Professor Mallam Osman Sankoh, Dr. Isata Wurie, Dr. Nehlema Barrie, Dr. James C Boima, Dr. Paul Farmer, Ms. Ishata Conteh, Mr. Lawrence Babawo, and Dr. Pardis Sabeti. 

“We are proud of M.J. He is an amazing team player and a dedicated member of DSTI. We are extremely grateful to have one of ours appointed to such a high-level scientific committee,” said Michala Mackay, COO, and Director, DSTI.