QMYOU Alumni Magazine Issue 84 | Page 31

Scholarship helps global health student to progress

PhD research in South Sudan

THE FULBRIGHT PROGRAM , a highly prestigious American scholarship that promotes international educational exchange , will see PhD student Hannah Strohmeier , from Berlin , spend six months at Yale University in the USA .

Hannah , who has been studying for her PhD part-time with QMU ’ s Institute for Global Health and Development ( IGHD ), is looking into the mental health and well-being of humanitarian workers based in South Sudan , with a focus on post-traumatic stress disorder , depression , anxiety , burn-out and substance abuse – particularly alcohol .

Towards this end , Hannah is currently administering a quantitative survey in South Sudan . She will then base herself at Yale University in Connecticut , USA where she will work alongside Professor Catherine Panter-Brick , a world-renowned anthropologist and expert in mental health . During her time at Yale , Hannah will collaborate with the professor to analyse the survey data and prepare a subsequent in-depth qualitative phase of research in South Sudan whilst also working as a visiting research assistant .

Hannah said : “ I am really excited to have the opportunity to research the mental health of humanitarian workers in South Sudan , a country which is experiencing a humanitarian crisis and ranks high on the scale of attacks against aid workers . I am also incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work at Yale with Professor Panter-Brick , an experience which I am sure has the potential to shape my future career in the field of global health .“ ❒

Trees give life to student opportunities

AN IMAGINATIVE FUNDRAISING initiative at QMU has given new life to the campus grounds as well as providing funding opportunities for our students .

Our extensive grounds have always provided staff and students with respite from work and study with many using the space for exercise , reflective contemplation and even sunbathing . The grounds have played host to a multitude of events including a student performance of a Midsummer Night ’ s Dream and an annual student led Tough Mudder competition . They are also used daily by the local community .

The ‘ Trees of Life ’ programme was established in 2013 , not only as a way of enhancing the beauty of this outdoor space , but also as a means of commemorating the 150th anniversary of QMU in 2015 . Friends and graduates can purchase a tree for just £ 150 – 150 trees for the 150th anniversary for £ 150 each !

To date , over 96 trees have been planted with many of our supporters dedicating their trees to loved ones that are no longer with us , special people or mentors from their time at QMU . The project is a great way to celebrate a person , occasion or period of time .

One recent donor and former member of staff , Sheila McCulloch , said : “ I feel honoured to dedicate a tree to The Pioneers of the Diploma in Life Sciences and early Degree Nursing Students . I have fond memories of my time at QMU . I loved the trees in the Corstorphine Estate and I wanted to contribute to the new campus .”

We are grateful to Dobbie ’ s Garden Centre for providing the trees ensuring that every penny raised goes directly towards supporting our students .

Students can apply for funding through various programmes including the Vice Chancellor ’ s Fund and the Student Development Fund which support activities that enhance their QMU education and their CV .

All of these experiences play a pivotal role in shaping what our students will go on to achieve after graduation and ensure that their CV stands out from the rest .

PhD student , Christos Theodorakopoulos , recently received funding to attend and present at the 38th ESPEN ( European Society for Clinical Nutrition & Metabolism ) Congress , in Copenhagen .

The Congress is one of the most prestigious events to disseminate high quality academic work in the area of clinical nutrition and metabolism internationally . It allows delegates , like Christos , to express opinions and exchange knowledge regarding the contribution of nutrition , exercise and physical activity to healthy aging , and the prevention , treatment and management of conditions such as obesity , cardiovascular disease , metabolic syndrome , diabetes , osteoporosis and frailty .

Christos said : “ Attending the ESPEN congress was a very successful experience as it gave me the opportunity to expand my scientific horizons , enhance my presentation skills and professional portfolio , exchange views and get new research ideas . Importantly , it allowed me to disseminate high-level research outputs and promote the flagship areas of QMU .’ ❒

To donate to QMU , visit : www . qmu . ac . uk / alumni _ and _ friends / donate . htm

QMU Welcomes the World # QMUinternational

AT THE START of the year , Universities Scotland launched a global campaign ‘ Scotland ’ s Universities Welcome the World ’ to celebrate the fact that Scottish higher education is home to over 180 different nationalities amongst our student community . The campaign aimed to share a message of welcome with the world and let it be known that Scotland is open and inclusive .

The campaign featured new videos of international students talking about how they have felt welcome in Scotland and why they love studying here . Scottish students shared their messages of welcome and said why it is important to them to study as part of an international peer group .

With students from over 70 countries , including Canada , USA , Hong Kong , Norway and Singapore , QMU has been delighted to support this campaign and promote the messages that Scotland is open , inclusive and welcoming . QMU has built on the important messaging of the Universities Scotland campaign by developing its own integrated digital campaign to promote QMU as an international student community .

Find out more about QMU ’ s international community at www . qmu . ac . uk / international ❒

QMYOU / Development & Alumni News 31