Fatima Miraj, a native of Lahore, Pakistan, is graduating with a master of science in global health. Her thesis research evaluated the social determinants of pre-term mortality of infants in Ethiopia, with the ultimate goal of designing policies that can help improve infant survival rates in low- and middle-income countries. Before coming to Duke, Miraj graduated from the Lahore School of Economics with a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance in 2019. When she needs to distress, she enjoys making doodles and mandala art.
What’s next for me after graduation… I will return to Pakistan since I came to Duke as a Fulbright Scholar (the scholarship program under the U.S. government provides educational opportunities for academics and professionals in the nation and across the world). I plan to continue working in the field of women’s and child health in Pakistan to find a role that best aligns with my interests and qualifications. In the coming years, I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. to forward my work in newborn and child health.
My interest in global health comes from… my fascination for research. After my undergraduate studies, I started working in global health research [at Interactive Research and Development] in Pakistan where I discovered the profound impact this field has on people's lives. Growing up in a low- and middle-income country, I saw firsthand the disparities in healthcare and the importance of addressing them, which also fueled my passion for improving child health and tackling healthcare inequalities across borders.
My thesis work taught me… how the process would be in the real world and to be accountable for the work I do. The fieldwork experience taught me a lot – going to Ethiopia, getting to know the people there, learning about their culture, learning about the health systems and policies there – all of these were really great experiences that taught me how different yet similar health systems across the world are.
If you had told me I’d be at Duke… To be frank, Duke University wasn't initially on my radar because my heart was set on other universities. However, due to Fulbright, the decision of where I would study rested with the program. I must admit, the experience [of living in Durham] has exceeded my expectations, and I've gained invaluable knowledge and experiences during my time here.
Something I’ve done at Duke I couldn’t do anywhere else is… the autonomy I had to choose my thesis topic, and how I wanted to develop my research. It’s something I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. And of course, the amazing community at Duke and its acceptance of international students.
What I’ll miss about Duke… I have met some amazing people and made really good friends who I will really miss once I go back home. [I’ll miss my] walks around the campus during fall; I don’t think I have seen a more beautiful fall season elsewhere.
My advice for global health students… Don’t get disheartened by the slow speed and redundancy of our work. It might start to feel like what we are doing won’t change anything, but our work does help and impact people’s lives. Try talking to the communities you work with because it really shows you how what you do helps them. It helps you stay grounded and true to your work. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up and voice your opinions, even if you are new to the field.
