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​Youth Advisory Board Project Grant

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Supporting students in male contraceptive research guarantees the ongoing advancement and understanding of male contraception.

The YAB Project Grant is for undergraduate students all over the world seeking to advocate for male contraception. MCI’s support allows students to receive mentorship and further their research experience through creating projects related to new male contraception.

MCI's Youth Advisory Board Undergraduate Project Grant

With nearly half of global pregnancies unintended, and existing options falling short of user needs, we need additional advocacy and education surrounding male contraception. The Youth Advisory Board Project Grant welcomes applications from undergraduate students for projects focused on advancing new male contraception solutions. Projects may span research, advocacy, and policy activities, promoting innovation in male contraception. This project is supervised by MCI and the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), successful applicants will receive funding and mentorship over an academic year.

Applications for the 2025-26 grant are now open! Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact grants@malecontraceptive.org.

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MCI has provided support for YAB Project Grants since 2021. In this section, we share details about past awardees and their respective projects.

2023-2024 YAB Grantees

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Felix Mburu Njoroge

Felix is a level 5 medical student at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. He is committed to advancing healthcare through research, arts, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and community participation. He is a medical illustrator (Xyzedizedi Med), an educator and a Global Arts in Medicine Fellow. His project aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Kenyan youth regarding vas-occlusion contraception. He hopes to identify potential barriers and facilitators to its acceptance and adoption, ultimately informing future healthcare policies and educational campaigns for the integration of reversible vas-occlusion into Kenya’s reproductive health landscape.

A young woman with long brown hair smiles softly at the camera. She is wearing a sleeveless top and a necklace, with a blurred background showing a plant and a light-colored wall.
Candela Senosiain

Candela is an undergraduate student of the Argentine Business University (UADE) in Buenos Aires, pursuing a bachelor degree in biotechnology. For her YAB project grant, she will be directing her efforts towards finding mitochondria- associated proteins that could serve as potentially non-hormonal targets for male contraception. Candela is passionate about science and has a strong commitment to gender equality. She firmly believes that reproductive health should be an issue to be discussed regularly and hopes that her research will contribute to a more equitable distribution of responsibility for birth control within couples.​

A person wearing a light gray short-sleeve button-up shirt smiles with arms crossed in front of a colorful, abstract mural featuring various shapes and bold brushstrokes.
Felix Mburu Njoroge

Felix is a level 5 medical student at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. He is committed to advancing healthcare through research, arts, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and community participation. He is a medical illustrator (Xyzedizedi Med), an educator and a Global Arts in Medicine Fellow. His project aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Kenyan youth regarding vas-occlusion contraception. He hopes to identify potential barriers and facilitators to its acceptance and adoption, ultimately informing future healthcare policies and educational campaigns for the integration of reversible vas-occlusion into Kenya’s reproductive health landscape.

A young woman with long brown hair smiles softly at the camera. She is wearing a sleeveless top and a necklace, with a blurred background showing a plant and a light-colored wall.
Candela Senosiain

Candela is an undergraduate student of the Argentine Business University (UADE) in Buenos Aires, pursuing a bachelor degree in biotechnology. For her YAB project grant, she will be directing her efforts towards finding mitochondria- associated proteins that could serve as potentially non-hormonal targets for male contraception. Candela is passionate about science and has a strong commitment to gender equality. She firmly believes that reproductive health should be an issue to be discussed regularly and hopes that her research will contribute to a more equitable distribution of responsibility for birth control within couples.​

2022-2023 YAB Grantees

Brown background with white text that reads Youth for Male Contraception. An orange curve with a small circle on the left partially surrounds the text.

Youth for Male Contraception Project

Youth for Male Contraception is a youth-centric advocacy website aimed at fostering awareness and acceptance of newer, non-hormonal, and reversible male contraception methods within the context of Kenya. Visit their website here.
A woman with curly hair smiles while sitting on a black chair against a black background. She is wearing a red jacket over a white and red striped top, dark pants, and earrings, with her hands clasped in her lap.
Carol Kangethe Project Manager

​Carol is a medical doctor diversifying into global health and health informatics, leveraging her clinical expertise to drive innovation and optimize healthcare systems for improved health outcomes. Her core principle is that patient-centered medical care across the patient journey is the best approach for optimal health and wellness. Through the Youth for Male Contraception advocacy initiative, Carol aims to enhance the reproductive healthcare experience of youth by engaging with youth contraception users and, in turn, contributing to improved health outcomes.

A man wearing a dark blue suit, white dress shirt with a subtle pattern, and a blue bow tie is smiling at the camera. He has short hair and is wearing a name tag. The background is softly blurred.
Ibsen Ongidi Research Advisor

​Ibsen is a health science researcher and graduate medical officer at the University of Nairobi, with a passion for sexual and reproductive health advocacy and research. He also loves mentoring undergraduate medical students on exploring physician-scientist pathways. He is seeking use the Youth for Male Contraception platform funded by Male Contraceptive Initiative to advance new methods of male contraception in the Kenyan cultural context.​

A woman wearing a bright red dress stands outdoors in front of trees, smiling with her hands on her hips.
Sheila Awuor Research Advisor

Sheila is a graduate of University of Nairobi in Kenya, and as a medical doctor, her passion is to achieve health through advocacy. She added her advocacy efforts with Male Contraceptive Initiative and formed Youth for Male Contraception to show that males can also take part in contraceptive efforts.

A young man with light skin, brown hair, and round glasses wears a textured blue suit jacket over a white shirt, posing against a plain white background.
Jan Kaminski

Jan is a Psychology student at De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom. His research looks at men’s online responses to a new vas-occlusive male contraception to identify men’s health concerns around the new method. It also involves interviewing experts to see how these health concerns can be mediated using scientific facts and the history of the method’s development.

A woman with curly hair smiles while sitting on a black chair against a black background. She is wearing a red jacket over a white and red striped top, dark pants, and earrings, with her hands clasped in her lap.
Carol Kangethe Project Manager

​Carol is a medical doctor diversifying into global health and health informatics, leveraging her clinical expertise to drive innovation and optimize healthcare systems for improved health outcomes. Her core principle is that patient-centered medical care across the patient journey is the best approach for optimal health and wellness. Through the Youth for Male Contraception advocacy initiative, Carol aims to enhance the reproductive healthcare experience of youth by engaging with youth contraception users and, in turn, contributing to improved health outcomes.

A man wearing a dark blue suit, white dress shirt with a subtle pattern, and a blue bow tie is smiling at the camera. He has short hair and is wearing a name tag. The background is softly blurred.
Ibsen Ongidi Research Advisor

​Ibsen is a health science researcher and graduate medical officer at the University of Nairobi, with a passion for sexual and reproductive health advocacy and research. He also loves mentoring undergraduate medical students on exploring physician-scientist pathways. He is seeking use the Youth for Male Contraception platform funded by Male Contraceptive Initiative to advance new methods of male contraception in the Kenyan cultural context.​

A woman wearing a bright red dress stands outdoors in front of trees, smiling with her hands on her hips.
Sheila Awuor Research Advisor

Sheila is a graduate of University of Nairobi in Kenya, and as a medical doctor, her passion is to achieve health through advocacy. She added her advocacy efforts with Male Contraceptive Initiative and formed Youth for Male Contraception to show that males can also take part in contraceptive efforts.

A young man with light skin, brown hair, and round glasses wears a textured blue suit jacket over a white shirt, posing against a plain white background.
Jan Kaminski

Jan is a Psychology student at De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom. His research looks at men’s online responses to a new vas-occlusive male contraception to identify men’s health concerns around the new method. It also involves interviewing experts to see how these health concerns can be mediated using scientific facts and the history of the method’s development.

Team RESPEKT

​This project explores young adults’ knowledge, experiences, and attitudes towards male contraceptives. Team RESPEKT aims to unlock the secrets behind young adults’ perceptions and uncover the challenges they face with existing male contraception methods. They want to quantify knowledge and ignite a spark of innovation in the realm of non-hormonal, reversible male contraception. Their mission is to bridge the gaps in male contraception for a more informed future full of diverse options for all.

A woman wearing glasses and a red shirt with a feminist symbol gestures while speaking. She has braided hair and is wearing earrings and rings, with a patterned background visible behind her.
Faith Anne Nyagichuhi

Faith is a dedicated SRHR advocate and leader of Team RESPEKT’s Research Working Group. As a final-year medical student at Kenyatta University, her passion lies in contraceptive and menstrual health and hygiene. She leads a groundbreaking study, delving into the knowledge and experiences of young adults regarding male contraceptives. Beyond her advocacy, Faith finds solace in serene walks and the soothing embrace of nature.

A man wearing glasses, a dark suit, a striped tie, and a white shirt stands smiling in front of a carved stone wall with intricate patterns. He has a black flower pin and badges on his lapel.
Nicolas Kioko

Nicolas is a finalist medical student at Moi University, School of Medicine. He is a member of the RESPEKT Research Team. He has previously served as the president for the Medical Students Association of Kenya (MSAKE) for the term 2020/2021 and the General Assistant for Africa under the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) for the term 2020/2021. He is a young research enthusiast who is motivated to continually develop his skills and grow professionally in the medical field.

A woman with long braids smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white blouse with a bow and a light pink vest. The background is plain and light-colored.
Angela Namiro

Angela is a final year medical student. She is a SRHR advocate and researcher whose goal is to ensure everyone has sexual and reproductive health rights in order to achieve a productive and healthy society.

A woman with glasses and braided hair smiles while seated at an event. She wears a yellow patterned top, a black scarf, and round earrings. Other attendees are visible in the background.
V Kitonga

Monicah is a medical student at Moi University, Kenya. She is passionate about research and policy formulation. In her downtime, she loves spending time with dogs and playing guitar.

A smiling woman with glasses and long braids wears a beige blazer and a blue lanyard, standing in front of a colorful, slightly blurred background featuring red and blue tones.
Alice Wanjiru Muritu

Alice is a medical student at the University of Nairobi, a volunteer with Team RESPEKT and member of the research-working group. She is a child of the earth and a passionate SRHR activist who believes that all human beings should be able to access their sexual and reproductive health rights.

A woman wearing glasses and a red shirt with a feminist symbol gestures while speaking. She has braided hair and is wearing earrings and rings, with a patterned background visible behind her.
Faith Anne Nyagichuhi

Faith is a dedicated SRHR advocate and leader of Team RESPEKT’s Research Working Group. As a final-year medical student at Kenyatta University, her passion lies in contraceptive and menstrual health and hygiene. She leads a groundbreaking study, delving into the knowledge and experiences of young adults regarding male contraceptives. Beyond her advocacy, Faith finds solace in serene walks and the soothing embrace of nature.

A man wearing glasses, a dark suit, a striped tie, and a white shirt stands smiling in front of a carved stone wall with intricate patterns. He has a black flower pin and badges on his lapel.
Nicolas Kioko

Nicolas is a finalist medical student at Moi University, School of Medicine. He is a member of the RESPEKT Research Team. He has previously served as the president for the Medical Students Association of Kenya (MSAKE) for the term 2020/2021 and the General Assistant for Africa under the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA) for the term 2020/2021. He is a young research enthusiast who is motivated to continually develop his skills and grow professionally in the medical field.

A woman with long braids smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white blouse with a bow and a light pink vest. The background is plain and light-colored.
Angela Namiro

Angela is a final year medical student. She is a SRHR advocate and researcher whose goal is to ensure everyone has sexual and reproductive health rights in order to achieve a productive and healthy society.

A woman with glasses and braided hair smiles while seated at an event. She wears a yellow patterned top, a black scarf, and round earrings. Other attendees are visible in the background.
V Kitonga

Monicah is a medical student at Moi University, Kenya. She is passionate about research and policy formulation. In her downtime, she loves spending time with dogs and playing guitar.

A smiling woman with glasses and long braids wears a beige blazer and a blue lanyard, standing in front of a colorful, slightly blurred background featuring red and blue tones.
Alice Wanjiru Muritu

Alice is a medical student at the University of Nairobi, a volunteer with Team RESPEKT and member of the research-working group. She is a child of the earth and a passionate SRHR activist who believes that all human beings should be able to access their sexual and reproductive health rights.

2021-2022 YAB Grantees

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Kenitimi Bikikoro

​​Kenitimi is a student in Medical Lab Sciences at Niger Delta University. With a focus in Chemical Pathology, Kenitimi is undergoing bioinformatics training to monitor, diagnose, and treat human diseases. His project sought to use computational biology tools to predict potential vaccine candidates for nonhormonal, reversible, post-meiotic male contraception.​

A young woman with long brown hair and a neutral expression sits outdoors in front of a white building with yellow-trimmed windows. There is a table and some plants in the background.
Malena Gabri

​​​Malena is studying social work at the University of Buenos Aires and is interested in improving the health outcomes of low-income populations. Her project aimed to understand young people’s perception of novel male contraception in Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires and how new methods of contraception can address high rates of unintended pregnancy.​

A woman with long, dark hair wearing a white sleeveless top stands outdoors, smiling at the camera. Green trees and a white column are visible in the blurred background.
Aryani Pallerla

​Aryani is studying Neuroscience, Chemistry, and Creative Writing at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Her research is focused on female/male contraception and HIV prevention in drug delivery systems. Aryani’s project aimed to develop, characterize, and optimize a long acting and reversible injectable in situ forming implant (ISFI) for male contraception.

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a dark top and is standing in front of a plain beige wall.
Madeline Mahoney

​Madeline is a second-year student at the University of Chicago involved in sexual and reproductive health research at Planned Parenthood North Central States. Madeline’s project aimed to investigate the perceptions of people who have undergone a vasectomy, in order to understand their preferences towards reversible contra sperm methods.

A young man wearing a white long-sleeved shirt stands in front of a plain, dark background, smiling broadly with his hands by his sides.
Kenitimi Bikikoro

​​Kenitimi is a student in Medical Lab Sciences at Niger Delta University. With a focus in Chemical Pathology, Kenitimi is undergoing bioinformatics training to monitor, diagnose, and treat human diseases. His project sought to use computational biology tools to predict potential vaccine candidates for nonhormonal, reversible, post-meiotic male contraception.​

A young woman with long brown hair and a neutral expression sits outdoors in front of a white building with yellow-trimmed windows. There is a table and some plants in the background.
Malena Gabri

​​​Malena is studying social work at the University of Buenos Aires and is interested in improving the health outcomes of low-income populations. Her project aimed to understand young people’s perception of novel male contraception in Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires and how new methods of contraception can address high rates of unintended pregnancy.​

A woman with long, dark hair wearing a white sleeveless top stands outdoors, smiling at the camera. Green trees and a white column are visible in the blurred background.
Aryani Pallerla

​Aryani is studying Neuroscience, Chemistry, and Creative Writing at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Her research is focused on female/male contraception and HIV prevention in drug delivery systems. Aryani’s project aimed to develop, characterize, and optimize a long acting and reversible injectable in situ forming implant (ISFI) for male contraception.

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a dark top and is standing in front of a plain beige wall.
Madeline Mahoney

​Madeline is a second-year student at the University of Chicago involved in sexual and reproductive health research at Planned Parenthood North Central States. Madeline’s project aimed to investigate the perceptions of people who have undergone a vasectomy, in order to understand their preferences towards reversible contra sperm methods.

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