Industry PhD project title: Exploring the interplay of extreme temperature exposure, air pollution, and socio-economic disadvantage on preterm births and stillbirths
RACE University and Industry partners: University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH)
Previous education and work background:
Following the completion of my first MSc in International Development Studies, where I specialised in health behaviour change and climate change adaptation in developing countries at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, I transitioned into a research role at the climate change department of Wageningen Environmental Research. There, I focused on investigating environmental health risk factors in South Asia. I led an extensive heat exposure measurement campaign in South Asia within low socio-economic urban settings, aimed at providing insights for implementing effective low-cost heat adaptation measures. Simultaneously, while working still part-time, I finished my second Masters in Public Health, with a specialisation in environmental health, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in England.
What attracted you to the RACE Industry PhD?
As a PhD student focused on the interplay of environmental factors, health, and socioeconomic inequality, I am motivated to contribute to innovative solutions that can drive meaningful impact. The chance to be part of discussions which aim at developing a more reliable, affordable, and clean energy future is morally compelling. I am eager to leverage the programme’s industry partnerships to gain hands-on experience solving complex, interdisciplinary problems and to learn more from the industries’ perspective on how to achieve a more sustainable world.
When you were young, what did you want to be when you were older?
FBI agent (watched too much ‘X files’ with my older brother when I was little)
What are you most looking forward to?
Learning!
What innovation/change would you like to see in 5-10 years’ time?
Greater collaboration between disciplines and sectors to address complex challenges such as the interplay between environmental factors, socio-economic status, and health outcomes.
Fun fact about you:
The birth cohort I am using for my PhD has my daughter in it
Favourite quote:
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein