Educational/professional background
I undertook a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics at the University of Witwatersrand, in South Africa. It was during this undergrad I was first exposed to epidemiological concepts, which I took a major interest in. After completing my clinical hours as a Biokineticist-in-training during my honours year, my interest in this area of public health was consolidated. I applied to study the MSc here at LSHTM and started a few months after graduating.
Research interests or career goals
Coming to LSHTM, I was not completely sure about the exact research area I wanted to focus on given the diverse and overwhelming choices. As I get to learn more about my master's, I am starting to realise my keen interest in data analysis in Epidemiology and -omics –, a module taken during the first term of this master's. I am interested specifically in the relationship between our biomarkers and the susceptibility to infectious disease and non-communicable diseases, and as I progress my interests become more refined.
Why I chose LSHTM/my programme
I was attracted to the prestige and the reputation of LSHTM in the public health industry. Coming here guaranteed me access to global networks due to the calibre of the well-known alumni. I also consulted a few people that had done the masters and from that, I was certain that I would be given as much support as I needed in order to ensure my success within the School, as well as outside. I also chose the school because it is in the heart of London and there is so much to enjoy around from a tourist's point of view.
If you are like me, just graduated or about to graduate with little or no public health work experience but are sure about your specific masters, I encourage you to apply. There will be support and you will soon discover where you are meant to be.