Student Profiles

Find out what students have to say about their experiences in our programs. Click on the names below to read testimonials about what they enjoyed the most in their coursework and research programs and how it will make a difference to their careers.

Claire O’Brien

Bachelor of International Public Health (BIPH)

“I decided to study International Public Health after changing track from my initial studies in Biomedical Science. I realised over time that my interest lies in the bigger picture health outcomes. I am interested in global health policy and health promotion.”

Claire aspires to one day conduct formal research in the public health academia and later hopes to be able to contribute to global health by working for an international non-governmental organization (NGO) or with the United Nations or the World Health Organization (WHO).

Tewodros Hailemariam

PhD - Couples HIV Testing in Ethiopia: exploring attitudes, beliefs, experiences and acceptance among heterosexual couples living in Addis Ababa

Before joining the PhD program, Tewodros worked for seven years as an assistant lecturer, lecturer, and assistant professor at the School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia. He currently works as a Data Analyst at the NSW Health COVID-19 Public Health Response Branch.

Why did you join the UNSW School of Population Health?

I was motivated to join the UNSW PhD program because of the school’s leading global reputation, its high-profile supervisors, and its scholarship opportunities.

Kate Patten on being part of NSW Health’s COVID response team

Dual Master of Public Health / Master of Health Management (MPH/MHM)

With a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Kate Patten has been working in public health research for the past 4 years. She is involved in various projects focusing on injury prevention and the social determinants of health. A research assistant at the School, Kate is pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Public Health/Health Management to increase her skills and knowledge in the evolving world of public health and health leadership. For the last 9 months, Kate has been working with NSW Health, supporting the state’s COVID response efforts.

Spotlight on our Alumni: SPH graduate Justin Thomas set to redefine ‘Airport Healthcare’

Dual Master of Health Management / Master of International Public Health

Paramedic Justin Thomas secured his Bachelors’ Degree in Emergency Medical Care in 2013 at the University of Johannesburg. He received training in both emergency medical care and in medical rescue and disaster management. In 2016, he began working as an Expat Paramedic in Saudi Arabia, employed into an Airport EMS Service. As an EMS Duty Supervisor, he was responsible for the operational organisation of 5 bases across the airport area and for providing medical oversight for EMS calls on his shift.

Madhav Raman

Master of Public Health (MPH) / Master of Health Management (MHM) with Extension (Dual Degree with Research Component)

Madhav Raman is pursuing a dual Master’s Degree in Public Health and Health Management (Extension) at the School of Population Health (SPH), UNSW. Serving as a Coursework Students Officer on the Postgraduate Council (PGC) at Arc UNSW, Madhav is a member of the Academic Board Programs Committee (ABPC) and the Program Review Committee.

Kylie Sommerville

Master of Public Health (MPH)

I was looking to do further study, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. My undergraduate degree was in Environmental Management and I had been working for several years in various government sector policy and stakeholder engagement roles. It was great professional experience, but I wasn’t passionate about what I was doing. I wanted to find a Masters degree where I could build on my current skills, but transfer them into a field that was health and people-centred, particularly focusing on equity and social justice issues.

Dr Lesh Satchithananda

Master of Public Health (MPH)

As a doctor I worked across a few hospitals in Sydney which, while fulfilling, was also frustrating because it was obvious that there were social and economic factors that impacted a person’s health that were well beyond the care I could provide in hospital. I believe that anyone that has had the opportunities I’ve had owes it to their community to give back and give back in a way that not only leverages their personal skills and experiences, but also maximises the value they can add to their community.

Eva Wegner

Master of Health Management (MHM)

As I progressed in my career in Medicine and have increasingly taken on clinical leadership and managerial duties, I have become aware of my lack of knowledge and experience as a clinician-manager. I realised that gaining an academic qualification in that field would be extremely valuable, providing tangible benefits to my patients, colleagues, the organisation I work for and for my own personal and professional development.

Rachel Karsten

Master of International Public Health (MIDI)

Prior to enrolling into the Masters of International Public Health I volunteered as a nurse and manager of an orphanage in South Africa. My experience during this time motivated me to study further, to extend both my knowledge and skills in the health profession to reach those that are impoverished, vulnerable and suffering the greatest health inequalities.

Arlita Willman

Master of Public Health (MPH) with specialisation in Health Promotion

My main motivation for enrolment in a Master of Public Health at UNSW was my strong interest in public health, as it unites my love of evidence and evaluation with my desire to create sustainable, meaningful change for the better. I chose to study at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW in particular because there was a great range of electives to choose from.

School of Population Health