From January to May 2024, four faculty members from Ilia State University traveled to Yale University for an advanced faculty development program. During their stay, they received intensive training in HIV implementation science and biostatistics. This experience was designed to strengthen their expertise in:
- Methodological research
- Data analysis
- Applied implementation science practices in public health
These faculty members will continue to support GIFT fellows and contribute to the long-term institutionalization of implementation science training in Georgia.
Meet the GIFT Faculty Participants
Dr. Irma Kirtadze, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Addiction Studies, School of Arts and Sciences and Public Health, School of Natural Science and Medicine
Dr. Kirtadze teaches qualitative and quantitative research methods, health promotion, and addiction science. Her research focuses on harm reduction and the implementation of innovative approaches to reduce HIV among people who inject drugs in Georgia.
Dr. Veriko Mirtskhulava, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Natural Sciences and Medicine
Dr. Mirtskhulava teaches biostatistics and epidemiology. Her research centers on tuberculosis (TB) and infectious diseases.
Dr. Mari Murtskhvaladze, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Natural Sciences and Medicine
Dr. Murtskhvaladze specializes in data analysis, laboratory methods, and molecular genetics. Her research includes genetics, genomics, phylogeny, and population genetics.
Dr. Nino Skhirtladze, PhD
Associate Professor, Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences
She teaches statistics and qualitative methods in psychology. Her research focuses on developmental and personality psychology, particularly identity formation, parenting, and motivation.
Dr. Irina Vardanashvili, PhD
Assistant Professor, Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Vardanashvili teaches statistics and quantitative research methods. Her research explores the psychology of religiosity.
