London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Educational/professional background

I received my B.A. in Global Development Studies (GDS) and History, with a minor in African Studies, from the University of Virginia. My undergraduate thesis was centered on HIV in South Africa. Prior to attending LSHTM, I spent 4 years working on a USAID-funded global HIV project with John Snow, Inc. (JSI), a public health consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. I studied at LSHTM in 2018-19 and did the MSc Public Health (Health Promotion Stream).

What I enjoyed most about studying at LSHTM

I loved my time in London and really credit it for giving me the opportunity to live in and experience Southeast Asia. My one tip for anyone studying at LSHTM is to really make the most of the city you are in and network with your amazing classmates! I learned more from the people in the program with me and their varied experiences than in the actual classroom, so use this chance to explore new areas of the public health sector you may be interested in. Being surrounded by such a diverse student population was what made the program at LSHTM so valuable and inspiring. Also, be open to whatever comes your way! I also really enjoyed being in the Health Promotion stream – the classes were a lot smaller, which meant I was able to get more support and guidance from my professors! I never would have thought I would work in an insurance company or live in Malaysia long-term, but when the opportunity came, I took the chance and haven't regretted it since! 

Since graduating I have been...

After studying in London, I moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to work as a Regional Senior Program Manager with an insurance company, supporting the launch of a health app across the Southeast Asia region. I've spent the last 4 years living here in Malaysia and traveling extensively, taking on various roles in the digital health space within the company, including serving as the Female Health Lead in Thailand and leading the Mental Wellness, FemHealth, and Health Eating pillars for the region.  As of a couple of months ago, I transitioned from the corporate sector to working solo as an international health consultant, advising on various global health projects. I am still based in KL, although the projects I support currently span across Africa and Asia. This new stage in my life is both exciting and challenging!