Irenius Konkor

Irenius Konkor has long been motivated by a desire to understand how inequities shape health outcomes. Now, as a recipient of the Provost’s Program for Black & Indigenous Scholars, he is advancing research that examines the ways marginalization and social conditions intersect with health in critical and transformative ways.

Konkor’s research spans transportation and health, HIV/AIDS, and environmental health. At the heart of his work is a central question: how do social inequities (re)produce poor health outcomes for marginalized populations, and how can this knowledge guide change? His postdoctoral research at the University of Waterloo explores this question through the lens of climate and health, focusing on the extreme heat impacts experienced by vulnerable groups, including immigrants and older adults in Canadian cities.

“My research interests cut across transportation and health, HIV/AIDS, and environmental health,” Konkor explains. “The overarching goal of my research interest is to understand how marginalization and social inequities (re)produce poor health outcomes for marginalized populations to inform a transformative paradigm in health services delivery through engagement with marginalized communities, health policymakers and the relevant stakeholders.”

As he continues this work, Konkor hopes to use his postdoctoral appointment to strengthen his skills and broaden his reach. “I hope to learn new research skills, become a more effective researcher and academic by the end of my appointment. I also hope to expand my research network for improved collaboration towards addressing global and public health issues.”

Konkor brings an impressive academic background to Waterloo, with a PhD in Health Geography from the University of Toronto, an MSc in Health Geography from Western University, and a BA in Geography and Rural Development from KNUST. His doctoral and master’s research earned him recognition through numerous awards, including the University of Toronto Connaught Award, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and the Dean’s Doctoral Excellence Scholarship.

When it came time to choose a place to continue his scholarship, Konkor was drawn to Waterloo’s reputation as a research hub and its welcoming environment. “I chose the University of Waterloo because of its rich research environment, which offers me a rare opportunity to grow as a future scholar and academic. Moreover, the University of Waterloo offers a genuine inclusive working environment that enables career development, and I am glad to be part of this community.”