Nabeeha joins the group as a PhD student after earning a BSc degree in Biomedical Science from Manchester Metropolitan University. Her PhD will aim to address the issues surrounding chronic pain as a public health priority.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My interest in research began at the end of my A-Levels when I completed an independent research assignment investigating the use of monoclonal antibody therapy in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, for which I received the British Science Association’s Gold Crest Award.
Eager to delve further into research, I decided to start my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at the Manchester Metropolitan University, where I had the opportunity to focus my undergraduate dissertation on the impact of post-stroke fatigue. As part of my investigation, I conducted focus group interviews with key stakeholders (including stroke patients, carers, and clinicians) and then evaluated the data using inductive thematic analysis.
The most valuable aspect of my dissertation was recognising the importance and impact of incorporating patients and other stakeholders in research to better understand the difficulties faced by fatigue and chronic pain patients. I am thrilled to be able to continue to work with patients and the community during my PhD!
What will you be working on with the Epi Group?
My PhD is titled ‘Chronic pain: from public health impact to impact on public health policy’. My primary focus will be on current chronic pain research, using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to review existing evidence and primary data collected through the course of my PhD to develop specific recommendations for chronic pain researchers on how to increase their policy impact.
This project will enable me to gain a comprehensive understanding of public health research and policy while also allowing me to collaborate with other researchers and the broader research community.
Why did you choose Aberdeen?
Since developing an interest in patient-focused research, fatigue, and chronic pain conditions I started following the research carried out by the University of Aberdeen. I was drawn to the university as it is internationally known for its excellence in research, with fantastic supervisors and research experts working on noteworthy disease outputs and research.
In particular, The Epidemiology group, offers an outstanding research environment with a diverse multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, and patients. I am excited to further my education in a challenging and academically rigorous atmosphere whilst participating in significant and meaningful research!
Are you involved in any other research?
Not at the moment, but I am excited to get involved in more projects through the course of my PhD at Aberdeen!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my spare time, I enjoy working on creative projects such as cross-stitch, sewing, cooking, and painting. I also love architecture and photography! I am looking forward to exploring Aberdeen further, visiting museums and learning more about the city’s rich and diverse culture.