London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Megan and Kyle

Megan McAninch-Jones (MSc Demography & Health, 2012) and Kyle Jones (MSc Epidemiology, 2012) met after leaving their statistics practical the second week of term. The revolving door was jammed as they were leaving  Birkbeck College, and thankfully it was, as it led to their first conversation.

Kyle, from the vibrant streets of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and Megan, from the lush landscapes of Portland, Oregon, met in London during their studies – the quintessential midpoint between their two worlds. The rest was history, as they will be celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary in May!

With a one year old daughter and a dog now, Megan and Kyle's love story is the epitome of a global romance that knows no bounds.

Sara and Ismail

Sara Strout and Ismail Zoutat (MSc Nutrition for Global Health, 2021) met in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. LSHTM's buzzing virtual classrooms were filled with eager students diving into the world of global health nutrition.

Sara admits she was 'initially more intrigued by the coursework than Ismail, who attempted to break the ice with a "How to Do a Systematic Review" book – not the smoothest move, but hey, it got our story rolling.'

January 2021 was the first time Sara and Ismail finally meet face-to-face. It was full of awkward glances and hesitant smiles as they navigate morning runs and late-night study sessions together, slowly transitioning from classmates to buddies.

Sara was becoming more and more interested in Ismail, who frustratingly only seemed to see her as a friend.

'While I was busy trying to decipher Ismail's subtle gestures, he was oblivious, thinking we were just pals hanging out!'

From dissecting assessments over the phone to sweating it out in caps and gowns on the hottest day the UK has ever seen, Sara and Ismail's bond only grew stronger with each passing day.

As the dust settled and the diplomas were handed out, Sara and Ismail found themselves not just celebrating academic achievements but also embracing life's unexpected twists – because who could have predicted their journey from classmates to soulmates?

Today, their LSHTM adventure continues to serve as the foundation for a partnership built on laughter, perseverance, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Although nearly a decade separates the heartwarming tales of Megan & Kyle and Sara & Ismail, the longevity of their relationships stands as a powerful testimony to the spirit of camaraderie and love that thrives at LSHTM. With hearts full of pride, we raise a toast to all the LSHTM alumni who have found more than just knowledge within our walls — they have found partners for life.