EMCR Spotlight: Building Research Skills with the Centre for IMPACT

In the next of our EMCR Spotlight posts, we hear from Hasina Zeb, one of our Bursary Recipients, and Research Assitant on one of our affiliated projects: Global Equity in Research: A Gender-Inclusive Approach (read more about the project here).

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Hasina Zeb, and I work as a Research Assistant on the Gender Equity in Global Health Research project, which builds on the work of the Centre for IMPACT. My work focuses on developing a practical toolkit to promote gender equity in global health research through evidence-informed and actionable approaches. I also serve as a Research Coordinator at The Initiative on the Quit4TB project (RESPIRE NIHR132826), where I oversee data management and coordinate with field teams to support study implementation.

How did you end up in this field? Was there a specific moment or interest that led you to the Centre for IMPACT and to apply for the bursary opportunity?

I have always admired the Centre for IMPACT’s commitment to supporting early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs), particularly through its strong focus on capacity building.

Joining a Centre for IMPACT project has been one of the most rewarding milestones in my professional journey.

It has given me the opportunity to contribute to the development of a gender equity toolkit that I hope will help bring meaningful and lasting change to global health research.

I was looking for an opportunity to develop my expertise in mixed methods research. The Centre for IMPACT bursary provided exactly that opportunity. When the bursary call was announced, I applied with the intention of using it to attend the Mixed Methods Research course offered online by the University of Oxford, as it aligned closely with my learning goals. Receiving the bursary made this possible and has been instrumental in strengthening my methodological knowledge and research skills.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me is largely desk-based. I spend most of my time working on my laptop, working on documents, conducting data quality checks and validation, managing research datasets, and carrying out data analysis. Depending on the project, my day may also include coordinating with field teams, contributing to reports and research outputs, and collaborating with colleagues to ensure studies are progressing smoothly.

What has been the greatest value in your bursary activity so far?

Through the Centre for IMPACT bursary, I was able to attend the Mixed Methods Research course offered by the University of Oxford. The course has significantly strengthened my research skills and deepened my understanding of mixed methods research. One of the most valuable aspects for me was gaining a much clearer understanding of how to meaningfully integrate quantitative and qualitative methods within a single study. This was an area I had always wanted to explore in greater depth, and the course has given me the knowledge and confidence to apply these approaches more effectively in my own research.

What are you most excited about working on in the coming year?

Over the coming year, I am most excited about developing my PhD proposal and taking the next step in my academic journey. My goal is to secure a PhD position while continuing to grow professionally as a researcher. I look forward to building on the skills and experience I have gained through my current projects and applying them to research that can contribute to meaningful improvements in global health.

What do you do to switch off when you aren’t doing research?

When I’m not doing research, I like to stay active to unwind. These days, I’m aiming for more than 10,000 steps a day and enjoy going for walks and working out. I also like watching movies, which is a great way for me to relax and switch off after a busy day.