London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

A bit about myself...

With over fourteen years of experience in public health, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with National and State Governments, International NGOs, Multilateral Agencies, and Development Partners in India. My professional journey has involved leading significant projects in health systems strengthening, policy formulation, and program implementation across various organizations, including the Ministry of Health, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Save the Children and UNICEF. And then the urge to expand the horizons of my knowledge and took me back to academic life, which was both a challenge and an enriching break from the professional world. As someone passionate about the intersections of climate change and health, pursuing the MSc Climate Change & Planetary Health at LSHTM felt like a natural next step in my career. Little did I know that it would be an experience filled with knowledge, inspiration, and friendships that would last a lifetime!

Why I chose LSHTM

My decision to study at LSHTM was largely driven by the School’s global reputation for excellence in public health research. With its world-class faculty and cutting-edge approach to addressing climate change’s effects on human health, LSHTM stood out as the perfect place to deepen my understanding of this critical field. From the very first week, I felt incredibly fortunate to learn from leading experts who are shaping the future of planetary health.

The journey, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Returning to studies after more than a decade in the public health workforce, came with its own set of hurdles — re-learning the academic discipline, managing intensive coursework, and adjusting to the rigour of a master’s programme. The modules were intellectually stimulating, often pushing me to think critically about the complex issues surrounding climate change, health, and sustainable development. But alongside these challenges came the rewards of personal growth and professional development. Each new lecture, seminar, and group discussion expanded my understanding, leaving me more inspired and determined to contribute to climate solutions.

Balancing academia and exploring London

One of the highlights of my time at LSHTM was the friendships I formed. I met incredible people from all over the world — friends from different nationalities — not just in my own course but also from other public health programmes. These interactions enriched my academic experience in unexpected ways, providing me with diverse perspectives on climate, health, policy, and the environment. It’s this sense of community that made LSHTM feel like more than just a school — it became a global network of like-minded individuals passionate about making a difference.

Life outside the classroom in London added another layer to my experience. The city’s vibrant cultural diversity, historical landmarks, and architectural beauty provided a perfect backdrop for my studies. Whenever, I could squeeze in my schedule, I  explored museums, art galleries, and historical sites, each outing offering a welcome escape from the demands of academic life. One moment that truly stood out was our visit to the Natural History Museum as part of the Planetary Health course, which happened to be my favourite subject. Walking through the halls filled with exhibits, I was awestruck to see artefacts related to Charles Darwin. Darwin was a figure I admired greatly as a young biology student in my childhood, so standing in the presence of his legacy felt surreal and inspiring.

I also developed a fondness for the blue plaques scattered across the city, which mark the former homes of historical figures. Every time I visited a new place in central London, I found myself looking out for these plaques, discovering where great minds and influential people had once lived. It became a small but delightful habit that added to the charm of living in such a historically rich city. And surprisingly, I even grew fond of the London weather! Its crispness was refreshing and made the city feel even more charming. A particularly unexpected joy was rediscovering Indian tea —something I never appreciated much back home — thanks to a friend from my neighbouring country. We made it a ritual to relax at the Chaiwala outlet after classes, where tea became a comforting way to unwind.

My summer project

As part of the MSc programme, I embarked on my summer project, which allowed me to dive deeper into my area of interest. My research focused on the impact of heat on cardiovascular, chronic respiratory, and diabetes-related conditions in low- and middle-income countries, including my home country, India. It was an incredible learning experience that yielded some fascinating and important results. The study indicated an increased risk of mortality and morbidity related to these diseases due to rising temperatures in these regions. The findings were a powerful reminder of the real-world implications of climate change on vulnerable populations and underscored the need for urgent action.

Looking ahead

This MSc has given me the tools, knowledge, and confidence to pursue a career at the intersection of climate change and public health. My goal is to work on projects that develop sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. I believe that the skills I have gained at LSHTM will allow me to make a tangible difference in the fight against global health inequalities, exacerbated by climate change.

My advice

For anyone considering the MSc Climate Change & Planetary Health at LSHTM, my advice is simple: dive in wholeheartedly! The programme is intensive, but the knowledge you’ll gain and the relationships you’ll build make every moment worth it. The faculty are leaders in their fields, and the student community is diverse and supportive. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and, of course, explore London. Whether it’s discovering a new research interest or simply enjoying a stroll through the city’s historical streets, you’ll leave LSHTM with memories and experiences that will stay with you long after you graduate.

• Contact Shahab via our contact student ambassador page.
• Find out more about MSc Climate Change & Planetary Health (in person) or MSc Climate Change & Planetary Health online.
• More from Shahab: Advocating for planetary health - Shahab's reflection on COP28