Post-doctoral fellow, Wits University, School of Public Health

Areas of research: Multimorbidity, women’s health, health and ageing

I am currently working on a project titled "The Complexity of Informal Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Rural South Africa", referred to as Kaya, a Shangaan and Xitsonga term that encapsulates both the physical and emotional dimensions of home. My focus is on analysing epidemiological data to explore how social networks influence the distribution of caregiving responsibilities and serve as a coping mechanism for primary caregivers. As an early career researcher, I am eager to grow in my field and collaborate with fellow academics to deepen our understanding of these challenges.

Post-doctoral fellow, Wits University, School of Public Health 

Area of research: Potential risks and protective factors associated with communicable and non-communicable diseases among high-risk sub-groups to inform targeted responses to reduce the burden in South Africa 

My fellowship at Agincourt, one of Africa’s largest and longest-running health and demographic surveillance systems, provided me with the opportunity to deeply explore the phenomenon of ‘colliding epidemics’ or multimorbidity. In South Africa, co-occurring HIV, TB, and cardio-metabolic syndromes are often a consequence of urbanisation, with migration between rural and urban areas increasing the risk. This rare opportunity allowed me to collaborate with leading researchers in population health and expand my network of mentors. I contributed to a cogenerated research agenda, shared ideas for research grants, and co-taught a public health course, all of which were invaluable experiences for the next phase of my career as a researcher.

PhD Graduate, 2023, Wits University, School of Public Health 

Thesis title: Community participation in health system strengthening: coproduction of local evidence to influence Action for health improvement in Rural South Africa? 

As a PhD student at Agincourt, my experience has been both academically and professionally transformative. Engaging in a variety of research projects has allowed me to explore a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary topics, gaining valuable insights into public health and social dynamics. The hands-on experience from fieldwork and data analysis has been essential in refining my research skills and deepening my understanding of complex rural health issues. Collaborating with experts and seasoned researchers has expanded my perspectives and fostered innovative thinking. Their mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of my research, cultivating a collaborative problem-solving approach. This enriching experience has had a profound influence on my career, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to society.

PhD Graduate, 2022, Brown University, USA??

Thesis title: Internal migration, urban living, and the health penalty among women in South Africa? 

Working as a student researcher in the Unit provided me with valuable fieldwork experience, opportunities to network and collaborate, and the chance to engage with the communities that constitute the study site. Working alongside the Agincourt researchers, fieldworkers, data team, and staff provided me with unique skills in research design and implementation and grounded my approach to social demography and global health in local communities. These skills and experiences have been instrumental in achieving a tenure-track position academic position. In July 2023 I joined the faculty in Urban Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Boston as an Assistant Professor.? 

PhD Student and MSc Field Epidemiology Graduate, 2021, Wits University, School of Public Health

PhD Thesis Title: Exploring the integration of community-based health workers in PrEP delivery services to improve PrEP uptake among young men in rural South African communities: a mixed method study
MSc Research Report Title: The effect of maternal HIV infection on perinatal and infant survival outcomes in Agincourt, rural northeast South Africa, 2015-2019 

The unit had a positive impact on my Masters academic performance. Being in the unit exposed me to various studies which helped with comprehension of concepts that were taught in class. I completed my studies in record time because of the financial, academic and emotional support I received from Agincourt. In addition, the unit has contributed so much towards my career growth. Over the 5 years of working in the unit, I have grown to be a scientist with experience in study conceptualization and implementation. The unit has awarded me opportunities to contribute to the scientific space through journal publications. 

PhD student, Wits University, School of Public Health

 Thesis title: Computational approaches to characterizing morbidity and mortality patterns in rural South Africa 

As a student doing secondary data analysis using Agincourt HDSS, my experience was both eye-opening and transformative. Immersed in a dynamic environment, I witnessed the intersection of public health and data-driven research. Analysing various vast datasets provided invaluable insights into the real-world impact of health interventions and population dynamics. Moreover, engaging with diverse communities fostered cultural sensitivity and deepened my understanding of health disparities. Collaborating with seasoned researchers honed my analytical skills and reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork. This experience ignited a passion for data science, and its application to improve population health.