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1. What is your role at LSHTM?

I am a part-time research degree (RD) student based in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology – International Health. My time is split between London and The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU-ZIM), where my research is conducted. I’m in the third year of my PhD, where I’m assessing the patterns of multiple health risk behaviours and multimorbidity among adolescents aged 10-19 years in Chitungwza, Zimbabwe.

My PhD is embedded with a larger, World Health Organization-led, multi-country, school- and community-based check-ups study called Y-Check. My brilliant supervisory team includes Aoife Doyle and Vicky Simms, with advisory support from Rashida Ferrand and David Ross. I’m also a member of the MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group.

Beyond my PhD work, I’m the study coordinator for the Y-Check Zimbabwe study, a role I’ve held since the study’s inception in 2021. In this role, my work spans from protocol refinement to intervention development to implementing and disseminating the study findings.

2. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Where to start…Born in the early 90s in Harare, Zimbabwe, I completed my primary and secondary education in Zimbabwe. As the son of a farmer, my father secretly hoped that I would take on the farming business, but my heart lay in practicing medicine, which I studied in Nanjing, China. In addition to having the privilege of immersing myself in the fascinating Chinese culture, my eight years there meant that I added Mandarin to my language repertoire, which also includes English and Shona.

I was very shy in my younger days and found engaging with my peers and making friends challenging. However, when I realised that being the world's most outstanding sportsman was not for me, I decided to make the leap into acting, which unlocked a side of me I never knew existed. The self-confidence gained during my acting days, which ranged from Shakespearean classics to locally adapted fairytales, informed a crucial part of my personality.

3. Can you tell us about your research?

Drawing on my medical background, my research passion naturally gravitates to field-based research. Prior to working on the Y-Check study, I coordinated a healthcare worker screening study which screened and referred over 6000 primary healthcare workers in Zimbabwe for multiple health conditions, including COVID-19, TB, diabetes, and hypertension, to mention a few. Working in schools and community hubs in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, the Y-Check study provides health promotion information, health screening, onsite management and referrals for approximately 20 conditions and risk factors.

My PhD research was borne out of the Y-Check intervention development when it became apparent that more work was needed to understand the overlap of multiple chronic conditions and high-risk behaviours among adolescents. This is particularly pertinent to adolescents in Zimbabwe who exist in an environment where primary healthcare systems are siloed and are insufficiently equipped to address the complex health needs of individuals with multiple, intersecting chronic conditions.

4. Where do you hope to see your research go in the future?

Over the past few years, I’ve developed an interest in adolescent engagement and have seen first-hand the difference it makes when researchers meaningfully engage adolescents in all stages of research.

My PhD work offers nuance to the health and well-being of these adolescents and aims to shed light on the multimorbidity and multiple health risk behaviour burden amongst adolescents. Ultimately, this advocacy will feed into other work being done in Zimbabwe and worldwide on improving primary healthcare facilities to adequately cater for people living with multimorbidity.

5. Why did you want to become a RD SLO for the MARCH Centre? 

I found it difficult to understand my role in the Centre as an RD student based mainly in Zimbabwe and upon speaking to other students, I found out that I wasn’t alone. Drawing on my interests in adolescent health, a key pillar in the MARCH Centre, and connecting with people, I felt inspired to use this passion to be the voice of my fellow research degree students.

RD students in MARCH can play a crucial role in steering the Centre's burgeoning research interests through active participation in developing and facilitating events and seminars. However, navigating the path from idea to reality can be daunting. This is where I would come in as an SLO, to bridge that gap and link the right students with the right faculty. Lastly, as a self-confessed extrovert, I believe my social skills can bring together RD students of various research interests and foster intersectoral collaborations that further enhance the breadth and depth of research within the Centre.

6. What do you hope to achieve within this role?

Research degree students often find it daunting to find their place in a Centre as extensive and diverse as MARCH. As a MARCH RD SLO, I aim to foster a supportive and inclusive community for research degree students by acting as a bridge between the students and the faculty. I hope to support and guide new and existing students in the Centre by addressing any concerns or issues that may arise. MARCH organises many events across the academic calendar. Through this role, I will ensure that students within the Centre and beyond are not only aware but actively participate in these events. Lastly, I hope to continue advocating for students' needs and ensure their voices are heard.

7. What advice do you have for prospective research degree students?

It seems rather basic, but I would say follow your passion and immerse yourself in research you genuinely enjoy. The PhD journey is a long and taxing but equally enjoyable one. Always remember why you are pursuing this deeper understanding of this research question, as you will need that assurance when the going gets tough. Never be afraid to ask questions. Build a network with other PhD students and use that camaraderie to drive each other forward. Lastly, everyone’s PhD journey is different, but always remember it’s a journey of discovery and learning. The skills learnt during your research degree are what will stand you in good stead in your future research endeavours.

8. Outside of your PhD and role as an SLO, what do you like to do in your free time?

From an early age, I’ve always been fascinated with understanding how stuff works, be it biological, electrical or mechanical objects. So, on weekends, I often plan mini-DIY projects in and around my home. Planning and executing these projects is the perfect way to decompress. Of course, any discussion about my free time would be incomplete without mentioning my favourite football club, Arsenal. Most of my weekend activities are arranged around the Arsenal game, as that time is sacred.

9. Would you like to add anything else?

My research journey, although in its infancy, has been guided by my many guardian angels who have supported and mentored me over the years and to whom I’m eternally grateful. Although there are too many to name, a special mention goes out to my PhD supervisors and advisors, Katharina Kranzer, and Wendy Graham.