Student Profiles

Felistas Mpachika-Mfipa is a dedicated and driven PhD fellow at the Centre for Reproductive Health at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). With a profound passion for adolescent sexual and reproductive health research she embarks on her academic journey with the aim of making significant contributions to this field. Her research intends to shed light on the interventions that support very young pregnant adolescents with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The objectives are to assess the prevalence of ACEs among very young pregnant adolescents, understand the pregnant adolescents’ lived experiences and assess the acceptability and feasibility of evidenced based interventions that support very young pregnant adolescents with ACEs. This research has the potential to contribute valuable insights to adolescent friendly health service delivery and beyond.

Stevie is a research administrator proficient in coordinating projects, managing resources, and ensuring operational focus. Skilled in digital questionnaire programming, data cleaning, and overseeing analysis processes.

Holds a degree in Business Administration and continually seeks professional development opportunities in administration and research management.

Velia Manyonga, Head of Research at Malawi’s Parliament, leads efforts to provide evidence for policymaking. With expertise in mixed methods research, she shapes effective governance. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Strathclyde, she focuses on young people’s wellbeing perceptions. Committed to evidence-based policymaking, Velia bridges academia and governance, advancing development in Malawi and beyond.

Rosannie is a research enthusiast who is eager to contribute more in filling the existing knowledge gaps & identifying solutions to the health-related challenges in Malawi and beyond. Water Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), adolescent & child health and youth empowerment are my research areas of interest. I am a Research Associate for the Centre for Water Sanitation Health & Appropriate Technology Development (WASHTED) and a PhD student in Environmental Health with Malawi University of Business & Applied Sciences (MUBAS) under the NIHR funded Global Health Research Group on Improving Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Malawi Studentship. Evidence of investing in women, right? Yes, it is and it’s for the Global benefit. From a research career journey which started in 2014 with diversity of roles & focus along the way; I can attest to the need for women inclusion and investing in women. As I look forward to become a lead researcher, I will inspire inclusion. All women have talents, skills & experiences to support in the development of any nation.

Monica has six years experience in health research. With a Master of Arts and Bachelor’s in Economics, her interests are in health policy and systems research, and evaluations of health interventions. She is also a PhD student in Public Health and Policy where she is evaluating healthcare priority setting and resource allocation processes in Malawi.