Cynthia Itbo Musah is a PhD candidate in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo. She holds a master’s degree in Geography from the University of Waterloo, and a bachelor’s degree in Land Management from the University for Development Studies, Ghana.
She is an alumna of the Ghana Institute of Surveyors and the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa. Prior to joining the GoHelp lab, Cynthia worked as a land administrator and a professional surveyor, where her experience of the barriers limiting women’s access to land resources in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) fueled her passion for addressing the gender-resources-wellbeing nexus.
Focusing on the Environment-Health nexus, specifically Cynthia's research examines how power dynamics affect access to land and water resources and impact health outcomes in resource-scarce regions of the Global South. Her recent work has highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing resource vulnerabilities, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, especially older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa, due to systemic inequities.
For her doctoral project, she aims to redefine unpaid domestic labor—such as water collection—as a form of slow violence against women. Through Community-Centered Research in SSA, Cynthia's work seeks to develop strategies that empower women and inform policies addressing water inequities. Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys volunteering, particularly in initiatives focused on environmental protection and community empowerment.
Title
Ph. D. candidate
Why GoHelP:
"From the outside, I became attracted to GoHelP Lab mainly due to my admiration for the work of Professor Susan J. Elliott. Since becoming a member, I have enjoyed the fact that the lab offers a unique space with a variety of members from different backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity facilitates the exchange of ideas and place-sensitive solutions to real-world health issues. Moreover, the GoHelP Lab offers a supportive community with a strong alumni team that provides ongoing mentoring for students. The encouragement and collaboration among lab members have not only enhanced my research experience but also fostered a sense of belonging and motivation."
Research Interests
- Environment and Health
- Power, Resource Access, and Wellbeing
Publications
- Biitir, S. B., Miller, A. W., & Musah, C. I. (2021). Land Administration Reforms: Institutional Design for Land Registration System in Ghana. Journal of Land and Rural Studies, 9(1), 7-34.
Presentations
- Musah C. I., Elliott S. J. & Rishworth A. (2022). Multiple jeopardies: COVID-19 related health and well-being of older adults in Uganda. Canadian Conference on Global Health, Toronto 2022.
- Musah C. I. & Elliott S. J. (2023). Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychosocial health and well-being of older adults in Uganda. Canadian Association of Geographers conference, Montreal. 2023.
Awards
- Provost Doctoral Entrance Award for Women
- Dean’s Doctoral Award
- Marzieh Foroutan Memorial Graduate Scholarship
- Graduate Student Research Dissemination Award
- David Johnston International Experience Award - McCall MacBain
- Graduate Award for Black and Indigenous Students