London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Educational/professional background 

Originally from the Philippines, my family and I immigrated to the United States where I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. My most relevant Public Health experiences include Public Health Education in Guinea, West Africa and Health Education in Moldova, Eastern Europe, promoting routine child vaccinations, antenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, malaria prevention, WASH programming, and preventive health education. 

Research interests or career goals

During my undergraduate studies, I was a working student conducting research on the immunomarkers of the diabetic wound healing process, including protein localization studies in cardiomyocytes as it relates to viral myocarditis. I have always been interested in diseases at the molecular level. Currently, I am interested in diseases at the population level, specifically on the continuity of care in migrants and refugees who are suffering from TB or HIV in acute or protracted humanitarian crises or during pandemics. 

Why I chose LSHTM/my programme

I chose LSHTM because it is a well-respected and premier institution of public health. It employs and recruits a diverse faculty and student body, respectively. I chose my program, Public Health for Development, not just to build on foundational knowledge or gain technical skills in Public Health but also to reflect critically on my previous experiences. The program requires its students at least two years experience working in low to middle income countries. This contributes towards creating a favorable intellectual milieu that encourages civil discourse – from sharing our cumulative experiences in Public Health to capitalizing on good practices, from reflecting on lessons learned in the field to decolonizing global health. 

Undertaking an intensive postgraduate program at LSHTM means challenging yourself beyond any self-imposed limits. You learn from some of the most respected practitioners and researchers in Public Health and study alongside inspiring students from all over the world.  If you are serious in pursuing a career or complementing your current profession with a postgraduate degree in Public Health, LSHTM is right where you should be.