Vanessa Kamau
Student | Full-time | KenyaMSc Public Health
Educational/professional background
Student Researcher: For my undergraduate project, I led a study on the prevalence of Postpartum depression among mothers and health facility preparedness in managing PPD cases. This project gave me firsthand experience in designing and conducting field research, engaging with communities and translating findings into meaningful insights.
Research Intern: Through the Eneza Data science Internship programme, I gained hands-on experience in data analysis for health research, particularly on infectious diseases. I sharpened my skills in data analysis, using tools like R to explore patterns, generate evidence and support decision-making in public health contexts.
Research interests or career goals
I’m deeply interested in health policy; particularly in policy translation science, ensuring that well-crafted policies aren’t solely on paper but are implemented effectively.
I’m also passionate about advancing maternal health, mental health and universal health coverage. Through the research and data analysis skills I’m gaining at LSHTM, I hope to contribute to evidence-based solutions.
Why I chose LSHTM/my programme
The School’s impressive ranking and its network of world-class researchers first drew me in. However, aside from its impressive rank in the public health space, I have witnessed its efforts in health research in Kenya and Uganda which meant that they translate the knowledge gained in the classroom into practice. Ultimately, it is this commitment to advance public health beyond the classroom that inspired me to apply to the School.
Extra information
1. If you’re planning to apply for scholarships, start early. Do your research on scholarship timelines before you hit that APPLY button.
2. Is this your first time in a new country? Worry not, I walked the same path and I’m here to help where I can. I’d never lived anywhere aside from Kenya and yet I landed the day before welcome week. So, I am familiar with how daunting that leap can feel. My accommodation was 15km outside of London, and on my very first day, I had to navigate the tube system solo to get to school. Terrifying? Yes. Achievable? Absolutely. If you’re new to the UK, I’m here to say: you’re not alone, and you’ve got this.