Public Health in Disasters alumna Amrita finds her calling in public health research and consulting
Amrita runs her own consultancy, focusing on women’s health, health equity and climate-related challenges. Take part of her journey from studies at two KI master's programmes, one being the Erasmus Mundus master's programme, to a career spanning research, policy and international fieldwork.
Name: Amrita Namasivayam
KI programme: the Master's Programme in Global Health and the Master's Programme in Public Health in Disasters
Graduation year: 2011 from the Master's Programme in Global Health and 2016 from the Master's Programme in Public Health in Disasters
From global studies to a career in public health
“I am a public health professional with more than 10 years of experience working across academia, civil service and the health sector. I did my undergraduate honours degree in Biomedical Science at the National University of Singapore, followed by a Master’s in Global Health at KI (2011). I then completed a second joint Master’s in Public Health in Disasters (2015–2016) at the University of Oviedo and KI, before undertaking a PhD in Health Sciences at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, which I completed last year.
My research during my Master’s degrees explored different aspects of women’s health: the first examined gender inequities across Namibia, Kenya, Nepal and India, and the second focused on maternal healthcare access during periods of conflict in Uganda. My doctoral research addressed unmet need for contraception in Uganda, analysing cultural and contextual factors that affect contraceptive use among women and men.”
From KI to international fieldwork and research
“Prior to my PhD, I worked on public health programmes and policy related to substance abuse among adults and youth at the Health Promotion Board under the Ministry of Health in Singapore. I have also worked as a medical writer and evaluated health programmes in a variety of contexts, including a maternal health programme in Uganda and a community-led Māori health initiative in New Zealand.
It was a combination of a strong programme description for the Master’s in Global Health, and a love for Stockholm, that first brought me to KI in 2010. I had visited my brother at Uppsala University in 2009 and fallen in love with Sweden, and was looking for a Master’s programme in public health at the time. I found KI’s programme through a Google search, applied, and was one of the 30 students accepted that year.
I later chose the Master’s in Public Health in Disasters out of interest in the subject area, and it included one semester at KI. I was excited to return and spend another half year in Stockholm.
Towards the end of the programme, I undertook a summer internship with the Swedish Organisation for Global Health, a student-run voluntary organisation working on maternal health programmes in Uganda. The month I spent there, and the community I met, shaped the direction of my future PhD research, although I didn’t realise it at the time.”
Say yes to opportunities that come your way, even if they’re very different or don’t fit in with your original ‘plan’.
Building a global and independent career
“I wasn’t able to secure funding for a PhD at KI, but I was fortunate to receive a doctoral scholarship at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. I moved there in 2017 and established my research study with the same community I had visited in Uganda, where access to maternal healthcare and family planning remained a challenge.
After finishing my PhD last year, I set up my own health research consulting company. I now work as an independent researcher and consultant on a range of public health projects, including work on HIV prevention and education, as well as cervical cancer screening and treatment.
I was also awarded a Research Fellowship at Project Drawdown, a global NGO focusing on multi-sector climate solutions to reduce global warming. My work focuses on the impact of women’s access to health and education on reducing unintended pregnancies, improving wellbeing, and potentially lowering global carbon emissions over time.”
A flexible working life across borders
“With many people working remotely, my day can start as early as 6 am and finish after midnight, depending on different time zones. Much of my work focuses on research and writing for a range of topics and audiences.
While I enjoy working independently, the collaborative nature of the work is what I find most fulfilling. There are many Zoom calls, and my time management skills have developed through juggling multiple projects and deadlines. At the same time, I have to actively set boundaries and make time for exercise and being outdoors.”
What I gained at KI
“Both Master’s programmes at KI changed the way I approach public health problems and solutions, placing greater emphasis on the process of learning rather than just outcomes. Much of the coursework was based on real-world scenarios and case studies, allowing us to apply concepts in practice rather than focusing only on theory.
One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was learning alongside a diverse and international group of classmates from different backgrounds, many of whom remain close friends today. Attending lectures by experts such as Hans Rosling was a major highlight, along with the endless fika.
My time at KI also broadened my understanding of the many ways to work within global health. I met people following a wide range of career paths, not all of them academic or research-focused, which was both eye-opening and inspiring.”
A long-term commitment to health equity
“I have had the privilege of growing up in contexts where women’s education and access to healthcare are considered essential. However, many women still live in societies where they lack both voice and choice, and where access to health and education is not guaranteed.
I have always been committed to health equity, particularly in women’s empowerment and access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. I see this as a lifelong mission in my career.”
Advice to future students
“Say yes to opportunities that come your way, even if they differ from your original plan, as these experiences can open up new perspectives, networks and possibilities. Take your work seriously, but not yourself – there is much more to your time at KI than academics. Travel, explore new places and cultures, and remember to enjoy the journey.”