NESH Pioneers

James Kay

James Kay (1954 - 2004), a professor at the University of Waterloo and a world leader in research into the thermodynamics of ecosystems, was among the scholars exploring links between theory and practice. James was our colleague, mentor and friend. His website (archived) provides one of the best-known resources on complex systems theory and thermodynamics available on the internet.

A profile of James' life and work with NESH was published in EcoHealth in 2004, Waltner-Toews et al., 2004. Championing Ecosystem Sustainability and Health: Profile and Tribute to the Life and Work of James Kay (1954 - 2004). EcoHealth 1, 334-339.

Thomas Gitau

Thomas Gitau (1967 - 2005), 38, of Nairobi Kenya, residing in State College, PA, USA, passed away on March 8th 2005 at his home after a long battle with Leukemia bravely borne.

A veterinarian by profession, Thomas taught in the Department of Public Health at the University of Nairobi since 1994. He was first diagnosed with Leukemia in April 1999; however, this did not dampen his positive and outgoing spirit. He received his PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in 2004. Thomas was also a consultant for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi since 2002.

Thomas is survived by his wife Margaret and their son, Robert, of State College. His family and friends experienced him as a very loving and kind man, always willing to help. Thomas died a faith filled man, at peace with his Lord.

He passed away before he was able to publish peer-reviewed material from his doctoral thesis. His thesis, however, provides a wealth of information on the ecosystem approach to health in the Kenyan context. NESH hopes interested practitioners and scholars will help to disseminate his work in our field.

His complete doctoral thesis is available here.

Gitau, Thomas. An Integrated Assessment of Health and Sustainability of a Tropical Highland Agroecosystem. PhD Thesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology. University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.