My Goal To Pursue Ph. D In A Public Health

Life steers us towards our dreams when we strive against all the odds. I came to the US in 2016 after growing up in Nigeria. While in Nigeria, I determined to use the limited resources at my disposal to understand some of life's issues. I was perturbed by the prevalence of certain illnesses. I could not fathom why strong people became weak, neonates died soon after delivery, children had cancers, and women died in childbearing; "Should pregnancy be a death sentence?" I wondered. These and other reasons bordering on the right to life gave me the drive to study medicine, pursue a career in public health, and cross the oceans to achieve my dreams. I studied medicine at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.

There, I took courses in Community Health, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics&Gynaecology. I saw the link between these fields and how as a public health practitioner, I could bridge the gap between wellness and illness. After graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University, I interned at Ekiti State Hospital for a year. My experience at the Department of Obstetrics&Gynaecology at this hospital taught me first-hand the necessity of public health. During mortality meetings, we observed that most maternal deaths were due to delay in seeking medical care. Also, in Nigeria, deep-rooted social-cultural beliefs still hold and some women deliver at home with the assistance of traditional birth attendants who are not prepared to handle obstetric emergencies. At the Department of Paediatrics, I was taken aback by the rate at which children died of preventable causes such as malaria, meningitis, and severe dehydration. I learned about the mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis and the frequency of occurrence of neonatal tetanus which could be prevented if necessary measures are put in place. This reinforced my interest in Public Health.

Currently, I am completing my Master's in Public Health with a Maternal and Child Health Concentration at the Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. My undergraduate studies coupled with my graduate training has enabled me to understand the network of factors at different levels of the environment that interplay in affecting human health. Over the years, I have been involved in research. First, from medical school where I studied the Disrespect and Abuse of Women in Facility-Based Childbirth. Subsequently, I participated as a field worker in a United Nations-Women sponsored rapid-research project in Nigeria. I also did research on the effect of maternal socioeconomic status on childhood obesity in Nigeria. My current research interests include childhood obesity, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, reducing health disparities, and working with homeless populations. I did an independent study during the summer with my advisor, Dr. Marlyn Allicock, and I am currently continuing this study with her. The study seeks to develop an intervention program targeted towards reducing childhood obesity among 6-11-year-olds through parents. Recently, I started working as a GRA with Dr. Diane SantaMaria at the Cizik School of Nursing. We are applying the Intervention Mapping process to address pregnancy prevention and parenting support for youth experiencing homelessness. These experiences helped me to develop relevant skills in constructing questionnaires, analyzing data, speaking confidently, and writing succinctly.

Additionally, I have been exposed to Public Health/leadership engagements. I participated in the 2014 Intercollegiate Model African Union Summit where I represented South Africa to develop resolutions towards creating men's activist groups against rape. Also, while in Nigeria, I led some medical groups, I counseled youths, organized health promotion programs/ campaigns on Lassa fever, and conducted malaria/HIV screening programs. Last session, I served as a student ambassador in my Department, and I interned with an NGO (Together We Stand Tall for Girls) during summer. These roles enabled me to hone my leadership skills as a Public Health Professional. I am applying for a Ph. D. in Social and Behavioral Sciences because I see a future where I would be working to improve the quality of health by aiding the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 3; ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

The Ph. D. would be a platform for capacity building while equipping me as a change agent in the health sector for Africa and the global community. I would learn the finesse and basic principles of working with health organisations. With these in perspective, the Ph. D. would be a useful tool in setting out. I am therefore applying to Harvard University because I am very interested in Professor Kirsten Davison's research on family-centered interventions for obesity prevention. Also, Professor Steven Gortmaker's research on the cost-effectiveness of interventions promoting physical activity and nutrition, aimed at preventing childhood obesity caught my attention because his publications were very helpful while doing my research on childhood obesity interventions last semester. I am also interested in Professor Henning Tiemeier's research on prenatal exposures to adverse intrauterine environment and long-term outcome because I was intrigued by the life-course model while studying health disparities in maternal and child health.

My interest in this prestigious institution was further aroused by its international reputation as a multi-cultural sensitive and learner friendly circle attracting various students across the globe. With these in mind, I believe the University would offer me a highly stimulating learning environment, a supportive atmosphere, as well as excellent working and recreation facilities which would enable me to gain expertise in public health. Following the Ph. D. , I plan to pursue my interest by researching with The World Health Organization. My goal is to apply Health Promotion skills in reducing health disparities, playing a pivotal role in reshaping the trajectory and life-course of individuals. I am certain that knowledge gained at this esteemed institution would expand my perception of current global health issues, policy interventions and implementation strategies for sustainable healthcare in developing nations. Although, the Ph. D. program may be herculean, I remain undaunted and resolute. I am willing to give my best; I have the commitment, zeal and passion needed for pursuing a degree in public health.