Gemma Kaimuri Kinyua

Gemma Kinyua is deeply committed to fostering growth, resilience, and knowledge, values that shape both her work as an educator and her academic path in public health. Her experience teaching young people in Kenya has given her firsthand insight into the challenges they face, including mental health concerns and substance use. These experiences strengthened her dedication to ensuring individuals have the tools and support needed to navigate these realities, ultimately guiding her toward a focus on substance use health and mental wellness.

Her work highlights the interconnected nature of substance use and mental wellbeing, recognizing their influence on both individual and community health. Gemma’s research explores harm reduction as a compassionate, practical approach that meets people where they are. She also emphasizes the importance of policy advocacy, early intervention, education, and equitable access to healthcare. Addressing social determinants of health, such as access to mental health services, stable housing, and employment is central to her commitment to building sustainable, culturally safe solutions that promote recovery and resilience.

At the core of her work is a deep sense of empathy and an understanding that each person’s journey is unique. Gemma believes meaningful support comes from listening, honouring lived experience, and advocating for approaches that empower rather than penalize. By integrating her background in education with the principles of public health, she works to foster meaningful conversations, collaborative initiatives, and lasting change that strengthens community wellbeing.

Doctoral student, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan

Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan

Master of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, Kenyatta University 

Bachelor of Education (Arts), First Class Honors, Kenyatta University

All things Rainbow’: A lexical-semantic analysis of the language of the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities in Nairobi County, Kenya - Kenyatta University

Date: July 2018

Co-author: Ngure, K.K

Conference: The 20th International Congress of Linguists: Cape Town South Africa

Network Environments of Indigenous Health Research - Reflections on the SK-NEIHR Innovation Academy. Presentation delivered at Dakota Dunes Casino, Saskatoon.

Date: September 2025

Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder through Managed Alcohol Program Intervention in partnership with Indigenous Communities, and feasibility for adaptation in Kenyan rehabilitation centers. Presentation given to First Nations and Métis Research Engagement Day, hosted by the nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk Research, Training and Mentorship Networks (SK, NEIHR).

Date: 17 October

Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder Through Managed Alcohol Program Intervention in Partnership with Indigenous Communities in Saskatoon. University of Saskatchewan, School of Public Health.

Date: October 2023

Co-author: Fornssler,B.

Conference: School of Public Health Poster Day

Addressing Alcohol Use Disorder Through Managed Alcohol Program Intervention in Partnership with Indigenous Communities in Saskatoon. University of Saskatchewan, School of Public Health.

Date: October 2024

Co-author: Fornssler, B.

Conference: School of Public Health Poster Day

Assessing Managed Alcohol Programs (MAPs) in Collaboration with Urban Indigenous Communities in Saskatoon, and Feasibility for Adaptation in Kenyan Rehabilitation Centres. University of Saskatchewan, School of Public Health.

Date: October 2025

Co-author: Forssler,B

Conference: School of Public Health Poster Day