Towards Policy-Driven Research

Initially, I viewed research as a scientific profession conducted exclusively in laboratories. However, this mindset changed when I joined the ALMA/IDEAL programme. I have come to understand that research comprises a broad spectrum of activities and involves many team players working in close collaboration to generate and apply knowledge from various domains with the aim of solving global problems.

My research is embedded in the SPARK project that seeks to improve the mental health of children with developmental disabilities (DDs) and their caregivers. We collaborate with caregivers of children with DDs and healthcare providers to enhance their capacity to care for these children. Our aim is to promote better health outcomes and quality of life for both the children and their caregivers, especially in low-resource settings.

I am based at the Aga Khan University Institute for Human Development, where I have received tremendous support and mentorship from my supervisors, Dr Vibian Angwenyi and Prof Amina Abubakar.  I have also been privileged to learn a great deal from fellow team members and senior students. Despite this amazing environment, the limited time available to complete my tasks has been my most significant challenge. The postgraduate diploma programme is a compressed course that takes place over a 10-month period. As a result, we are given tight deadlines to ensure that we achieve our objectives within the stipulated time. To overcome this, I developed a structured schedule for all my activities and broke down the tasks into smaller, achievable components. This method has been instrumental in helping me prioritise effectively and meet my objectives on time.

Looking ahead, I aspire to further my studies to the PhD level. I believe the skills I gain as I progress in my journey will help me achieve one of my life goals: to inform policy and practice through research, especially in the areas of mental health and especially developmental disabilities, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.

To future postgraduate diploma fellows, I would say that the fellowship is an intensive journey that requires resilience, dedication, and a high level of commitment. However, the sacrifice is worth it, considering the invaluable opportunity that the fellowship provides to help one gain immense knowledge and experience in the research world. Engage actively, seek mentorship, and be open-minded with a focus within and outside of your field of interest.