Name: Sherina Lowe
Year: Second-year PhD student
University: Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Placement Host: Cwm Taf Morgannwg Public Health
Tell us about your placement
My work focuses on supporting the development of interventions to increase testing uptake for blood-borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B & C) among underserved populations, contributing to the BBV Elimination Plans for CTMUHB. Using the COM-B framework, I am gathering behavioural insights through qualitative and quantitative research techniques to identify barriers and facilitators to testing within services such as prisons, sexual health, and substance misuse programmes.
Benefits so far
This placement is giving me the opportunity to apply behavioural science in real-world scenarios within public health. Alongside that, the placement is helping to enhance my research skills and better understand testing behaviours.
I am thoroughly enjoying the placement, and I have learnt a lot and feel grateful that I am working with lovely, supportive colleagues. However, it has required patience as it has taken time for me to get on the systems, get access badges etc.
Top tips for fellow PhD students
My advice to anyone starting a placement is to use this as an opportunity to explore work beyond the usual research career path, you might be surprised at the opportunities, and to build meaningful professional connections.
If you would like support with co-ordinating your placement, contact the Research in Practice co-ordinator for Placements – Sian Shepherd esrcrip@bangor.ac.uk
WGSSS students can find useful information and view current placement opportunities here.
WGSSS students can receive regular updates on new placements via the Research in Practice Teams channel here.