I lead program development for a new Hope Initiative for mothers with HIV and their frontline health workers to promote hope and improve quality of care and health outcomes. I create and manage the research protocol, ethical clearances, data collection tools, work plans and research reports and manuscripts. I also manage relationships with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and partner NGOs, to ensure interests are aligned and to share our findings through presentations and written materials.

I am constantly applying my knowledge of research methods. Throughout my first few weeks there, while planning the cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of a survey instrument, I was constantly rereading Dr. Eric Green’s textbook for global health research. I also approach cross-cultural communication and collaboration with intentional flexibility, adaptability and humility—skills that I believe were fostered by the Duke Global Health Institute. 

We are so lucky to be doing global health work. I think that my gratitude motivates me to be as effective and impactful as possible in my work.

Excerpted from the Duke Global Health Institute website