Educational/professional background
My journey in public health has never followed one straight path. I have a background in public health and safety and, before studying at LSHTM, worked in healthcare coordination in Canada, supporting patients after discharge and working closely with nurses, personal support workers, and community care services. That experience showed me how much people’s health is shaped not only by clinical care, but also by the systems, policies, and decisions surrounding them.
I also have a longstanding interest in civic engagement and public service. Alongside my professional work, I have volunteered in emergency response with the Canadian Red Cross and have remained actively involved in political and community engagement in Canada. These experiences have contributed to my interest in the intersection of public health, policy, politics, and the communities affected by the decisions we make.
During my MSc Public Health at LSHTM, I developed this further through my studies in epidemiology, research methods, and health policy. My dissertation explored the association between hypertension and dementia among adults living in high-income countries through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The research also led to an abstract publication and strengthened my interests in evidence synthesis, healthy ageing, dementia, and evidence-informed policy.
What I enjoyed most about studying my programme/at LSHTM
One of my favourite things about LSHTM was learning with and from people whose experiences were completely different from mine. My classmates came from different countries, professions, and areas of public health, and sometimes a single classroom discussion could change how I thought about an issue.
I also enjoyed being involved beyond the classroom. Serving as a Programme Representative and Student Ambassador gave me opportunities to represent and support fellow students, contribute to conversations about the student experience, and connect with students and staff across the School.
Some of my most valuable learning came not only from lectures, but also from conversations, events, and the people I met along the way. Continuing now as an Alumni Ambassador feels like a natural extension of that experience.
What I have been doing since graduating
Since graduating, I have continued working in project management while also developing my own independent research and editing consultancy. Through my consultancy, I have supported others with research writing and publication preparation, editing, and resume development. It has given me another way to apply the research, communication, and critical-thinking skills I strengthened during my time at LSHTM.
I have also continued my longstanding involvement in civic and political engagement in Canada. This has included supporting election campaigns, speaking with members of the public during campaign activities, and taking part in conversations with elected representatives and public leaders about community and policy issues.
These experiences continue to strengthen my interest in how evidence and public health perspectives can inform policy decisions and public service. They have also reminded me that public health does not exist in isolation. The decisions made in political, social, and community spaces can have a profound impact on population health.
My career is still evolving, but LSHTM has helped me see more clearly that there is not only one way to build a career in public health. The skills we develop can be applied across research, policy, project management, community engagement, and public service.
Extra information
If I could say one thing to a prospective student, it would be: come to LSHTM ready to learn, but also give yourself permission to evolve.
You do not need to have every part of your career figured out before you arrive. Be curious. Speak to people outside your area of interest. Attend lectures and events that have nothing to do with your assignment. Get involved in the LSHTM community. Ask questions. Build relationships. Figure out what works for you, stick with what matters, evolve when you need to, and learn to dance with the journey. Through it all, never lose your character or integrity.
Since graduating, I have also been learning to fully embrace the different aspects of who I am, professionally, personally, and in my faith, rather than feeling that I have to fit into one box. For me, that includes growing more confidently into who I am in Christ and allowing that sense of purpose to shape how I approach service, leadership, and the work I hope to do.
Some of the most valuable things I took from LSHTM were not simply answers to the questions I arrived with, but new questions, perspectives, friendships, and possibilities that I had not considered before.