20 September 2024
With 2 parents who worked at the World Health Organisation, Pooja Raveendran is inspired to follow in their footsteps, pursuing her passion for public health through studies in Queensland.
Pooja is studying for a Master of Environmental Health Science, an extension to Public Health, at The University of Queensland (UQ). This semester, she is completing a part-time internship at Health Translation Queensland (HTQ), thanks to a partnership between HTQ and UQ’s School of Public Health.
Reporting to HTQ Project Manager for Engagement Sarah Scott for her placement, Pooja’s focus is evaluating HTQ’s successful microgrants scheme. Pooja is keen to ensure the evaluation is beneficial for both HTQ and the sector it supports.
“My experience at HTQ in a small dynamic team has been a great learning experience,” Pooja said. “The team has been welcoming and supportive.”
Pooja is highly motivated and committed to learning and demonstrating her skills in project management, data analysis, report writing and presentation to stand out as an international student in a competitive world.
She is also dedicated to ensuring that HTQ receives a thorough and objective evaluation of their microgrant scheme, providing valuable insights to guide its future direction.
“During the evaluation, many researchers have responded to questions with comments about how much the scheme has helped their research project,” Pooja said. “Many people are grateful for its support.”
Born and raised in New Delhi, Pooja graduated in pharmacy. While working as a Nutrition Advisor for a global food company, Danone, Pooja decided to apply for her Master’s in New Zealand.
“For various reasons, going to New Zealand didn’t work out, but when I applied to study in Queensland, everything clicked, and it happened quickly,” Pooja said.
“Despite the challenges of being away from home, I have remained resilient and focused on my goals. Moving to a new country has pushed me to grow personally and professionally, reinforcing my determination to build a meaningful career in the health sector.
“I have embraced every opportunity to learn, adapt, and contribute, and I am committed to persevering through any obstacles. My experiences have only strengthened my resolve to make a lasting impact in public health, and I am fully focused on achieving this vision.”
Alongside her studies, Pooja served as a consultant at the Public Health Impact Lab, with UQ as her client. Her outstanding performance led to her current role as a mentor for the latest cohort of the lab.
For information about the HTQ-UQ School of Public Health Partnership, please email Sarah Scott.
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Health Translation Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which we live, work, and play. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their Descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.
