Finding My Way into Research: A Personal Journey Through Rejection, Mentorship, and Community

My path into research has not been a straight line or a grand plan. It was a trail of small, stubborn steps, punctuated by rejection, and illuminated by the generosity of mentors and peers. This journey, which has been both humbling and empowering, has taught me about resilience, the transformative power of community, and the quiet strength that comes from simply showing up. Here’s what it’s been like, from the rough start to where I am now, and why community and grit matter more than being a genius.

A Shaky Start and the Sting of Rejection

I didn’t step into research with a prestigious fellowship or a clear roadmap. It began with a spark of curiosity and a heavy dose of doubt. I sent out applications to programs and opportunities, brimming with hope, only to be met with silence or polite rejections. Each “no” felt like a personal verdict: You don’t belong here. Each rejection forced me to sharpen my questions, refine my writing, and dig deeper into my ideas. Slowly, I realized that persistence, not perfection, was the key.

Part of my doctoral study was crowdfunded by friends and my Rural Church community. It was humbling to be supported not just by institutions but by a community that believed in me enough to invest in my future. That sense of shared responsibility reminded me that even in academic pursuits, we rarely walk alone

Long before research became a career, I had already taken an unconventional path. I started with a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Information Systems. I qualified as a CPA and worked in audit for three years. My professional world revolved around compliance, spreadsheets, and structured deliverables. But something kept tugging at me, something beyond just numbers. A pull toward inquiry, toward understanding systems and people in deeper ways. Eventually, I decided to transition into academia. It wasn’t easy. I had to let go of professional stability and start over in an environment that demanded a completely different mindset.

This interdisciplinary background has become one of my greatest strengths. It has allowed me to see connections others might miss. It grounds my research in both theory and practice. And it reminds me that the journey into research doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be meaningful or impactful.

Power of Mentorship

The turning point came when I found mentors who didn’t just guide me, they believed in me. My PhD supervisors weren’t the “do as I say” type. They listened, pushed me to think harder, and gave me space to mess up and grow. Their belief in me was like a lifeline.

Equally vital was peer mentorship. A former PhD colleague, with his insights, became a dedicated and accountable buddy. Our late-night and early morning discussions shaped me as much as any formal guidance. Now, I’m paying it forward by mentoring undergraduates grappling with research or early-career professionals eyeing graduate school. Mentorship isn’t just about advice; it’s about building bridges and showing others, they belong.

Conferences and the Power of Showing Up

My first academic conference felt like walking into a room of giants. Surrounded by seasoned scholars, I was sure I didn’t measure up. But I kept showing up, and slowly, I saw conferences for what they are: living conversations. They’re less about flawless presentations and more about presence, listening, questioning, and connecting. Each conference taught me something new, not just about my field, but about the culture of research. I learned that underrepresented voices, like mine, don’t just belong in the room; they enrich it. Showing up, especially when it feels daunting, is how you claim your place.

Research Saturdays: Our Little Tribe

One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been co-creating Research Saturdays. Every week, I meet with my PhD supervisors, a former colleague, and three master’s students. We share drafts, critique ideas, and hold each other accountable. Some days, it’s just coffee and half-finished papers, but the consistency is magic. These sessions have birthed real progress, polished papers, sharper arguments, and bolder questions. More than that, they’ve built trust and a sense of belonging. Research Saturdays taught me you don’t need to wait for an invitation to a research community PLEASE CREATE ONE!

When I Almost Walked Away

After my master’s, I was done with academia. Burned out, fed up, ready to jump into a “real job” and leave research behind. But my mentor’s simple words, “YOU CAN DO IT” and a nudge toward a PhD application changed everything. He didn’t push; He just held space for my potential. Years later, nearing the end of my PhD, that same urge to flee resurfaced. I was ready to pivot to industry, convinced academia wasn’t for me. Again, my mentor stepped in, not to dictate, but to remind me of possibilities I was too tired to see. Looking back, I’m grateful I stayed. Each detour taught me to trust the journey, even when the destination was unclear.

Presently

Today, I serve as a servant leader in data science at Daystar University , my alma mater, and the place where my foundation in servant leadership and transformation was first nurtured. Returning as faculty feels like coming full circle. I now carry forward that ethos in everything I do, especially in how I teach, mentor, and lead.

At Daystar University , our approach to AI & Data Science is bold, applied, and deeply transformative. I lead the development of cutting-edge academic programs that sit at the intersection of data science, cybersecurity, and Christian values. We’re not just teaching data—we’re shaping purpose-driven innovators. STAY TUNED!

Beyond academia, I continue to mentor, lead research, and build data-driven capacity and digital literacy across multiple platforms. A special shout-out to my incredible mentees Wangechi Murimi Nayana Das Naomi Bukusi Angel Musomba Salim Mwarika and many others who are making bold moves in academia, leading in industry, and transforming their communities. It’s a joy and a calling to walk alongside you. We’re building impact one life at a time, and the ripple effects are powerful.

At IwazoLab , I co-lead efforts to scale up Finlingo—an AI-powered platform designed for real-time scam detection, financial literacy, and user protection in emerging markets. At SIMElab Africa, I support ongoing research into digital wellbeing, misinformation, and the evolving dynamics between social media and society. We’re committed to equipping communities with insights that matter. Stay tuned for our upcoming international symposium this September!

My curiosity keeps opening doors. A year ago, it led me to Hamid Nach, Ph.D. of Applied Fintech Research Lab for Africa ; two months ago, to Bernard Lamptey and the The Upanzi Network at CMU-Africa at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. A reminder that sometimes, asking the right questions leads you to the right people.

I’m working toward becoming an Associate Professor and one day serving as a CEO or a leading figure in research and innovation across Africa and beyond. And I haven’t walked alone. I remain under the guidance of trusted mentors, and more recently, I’ve been blessed to work with a personal development coach Nelius Mueni who has been instrumental in helping me reflect, reset, and rise again. Because of the impact she’s had in my life, I haven’t kept her to myself — I’ve “donated” her to my students and friends, knowing that what transforms one life can ripple out to many more. You can check out her transformative work at mysoulsuniverse.com.

I still receive rejections. But I also receive confirmation through progress, purpose, and people that I’m on the right path. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.