London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Hi, I am Jiahui Zhao; everyone calls me Behati. I am an evolutionary anthropologist by background, and I completed my MSc Reproductive and Sexual Health Research (RSHR) in 2023. I am from Beijing, China, and now based in London.

Fun stuff to do while studying at LSHTM

When I was completing my degree in anthropology, I was interested in everything. There were many interesting paths that I could explore further. I ended up finishing my degree studying primates, and did my first field trip on macaques on top of the Rock of Gibraltar for 7 days. I was also really intrigued by women’s reproductive choices, and I realised that women’s access to reproductive and sexual health services is stratified by their socioeconomic status and, further, socio-structural violence. This realisation led me to research master's programs in this niche field, with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine quickly becoming my top choice. Upon admission, I recognised that this would be the definitive direction for my future career.

A year of transformation

My year at LSHTM significantly expanded my knowledge, network, and skills. Before studying here, I had only a limited understanding of global women's and children's health issues. Often, these issues aren't readily visible in public discourse, whether concerning infrastructure, policymaking, or news.

As an RSHR graduate, I studied reproductive and sexual health issues and was trained in advanced statistical methods to translate data into applicable insights. I'm grateful to have met so many public health professionals, doctors, and nurses from around the world. Our conversations broadened my perspective, teaching me what 'public health' means in different settings and illuminating the reproductive choices available to women from resource-limited backgrounds. This experience truly motivated me to pursue a career dedicated to improving women's health and choices, ultimately leading me to where I am today.

After graduating from LSHTM, I joined MSI Reproductive Choices as an Analyst, focusing on abortion rights. Operating across 36 countries, our mission is to provide safe abortion care and comprehensive contraception to women seeking these services. Throughout the world, laws, policies and other barriers continue to undermine access to abortion care, with 40% of women worldwide of reproductive age still living in countries with restrictive abortion laws. My work involves advocating for and expanding access to safe abortion services and comprehensive family planning choices for women who need them.

LONDON! And life updates

I have enjoyed my life in London. One thing I truly cherish about my LSHTM experience is the incredible friendships I made, many of whom I'm still very close with today. 

I'm smiling just thinking about my memories of my time in London: hosting a lively Chinese New Year potluck, bonding with fellow Wong Kar-Wai fans over his films, enjoying picnics with friends in Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath, hiking in the Lake District, having lunch break at the big staircase outside Senate House, working on our thesis together in libraries and cafes...

I am grateful that some of my friends are still in London even after completing the MSc. We regularly catch up and we will go out for dinner, watch Edward Yang and Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s film at BFI cinema, go to a climbing wall or pick up food at Broadway market and Victoria Park market. I've also explored many new cities and countries, visiting my friends from LSHTM and my partner, and have found great enjoyment reading books in my favourite East London spot, London Fields.

My one tip for future students

For prospective students coming to London, my biggest advice would be to always seize the opportunity to enjoy the parks on a sunny day, and be sure to explore all the fantastic museums, galleries, and cinemas while you have the student discount. Also, do not miss the chance to attend the Global Health Lecture Series!
 

• Discover MSc Reproductive Health & Sexual Research.
• Contact our student and alumni ambassadors
• Read more: Behind the Scenes of a Health Systems Simulation: Why We Built the MARCH Hackathon