What is your role at LSHTM and who and what does it involve?

I’m an Assistant Professor with the Gender Violence and Health Centre (GVHC) in the Department of Global Health and Development.  The focus of my work is on the social science of adolescent health.  My role involves working with colleagues and partners to better understand the social and structural drivers of adolescent morbidity and developing and evaluating interventions that seek to address these drivers.  I am also a PhD supervisor to 3 LSHTM PhD students and a School mentor, and recently joined the MARCH senior leadership team as one of the adolescent theme leads.

Where can we find you?

Until relatively recently I was based in Uganda but when I am in the office, I can be found on the 3^rd floor at Tavistock Place – usually hot desking though!

How long have you worked here (and what was your previous job)?

I have worked at the School for over eight years (!).  Before joining the School I was a research officer at the Overseas Development Institute in London.

What is a typical day for you?

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is that it is so varied.  As such, I don’t really have a typical day although reading, writing and meetings with colleagues and students often feature.

Tell us about a project you are currently working on?

One of the projects that I am currently working on with colleagues at UCL and AHRI in South Africa is an evaluation of the PEPFAR-funded DREAMS initiative in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.  As part of this we are exploring the ways in which MTV-Shuga – an edutainment intervention that seeks to reduce the social and structural drivers of HIV infection amongst young people in South Africa – is experienced within the study setting to examine the extent to which it may be influencing adolescents’ behaviour.

What three words would you use to describe your role?

Interesting, challenging, fulfilling

What is your favourite thing about working here?

I very much enjoy working with supportive and dedicated colleagues to try and improve the lives of adolescents and communities around the world.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I honestly didn’t have a clue but am now sure that I am in the right career for me.

What is your favourite book?

I’d be here all day trying to figure that out!  I have far too many to pick one.

What is your favourite place?

One of my favourite places is Banda Jussa beach in Muscat, Oman.