Akandiinda is a Postdoctoral researcher, working with the Formas-funded project ReFRESH-SPIRIT

Akandiinda holds a PhD in Leadership and Change and two master's degrees - one in Leadership and Change and the other in Counseling Psychology. She earned her undergraduate degree in Social Sciences. In addition, she has completed advanced graduate training in Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, Trauma Healing, Mental Health, and other related fields.

She has been involved in the following policy initiatives and practices:

• Chairperson, Trauma Awareness and Healing Alliance (TAHA), South Sudan
• Advisory Committee Member, Artolution — Transforming Lives Through Public Art
• Certified Trainer, Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR), coordinated by the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), USA
• Member, Global Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT) and the HPRT African Network

Awards and achievements

• AAUW International Fellow 2019/2020