Bendu Sherman
Degree in Progress:
Phd in Epidemiology
Hometown:
Caldwell Montserrado, Liberia
Favorite Color:
Burgundy
Favorite Movie:
Black Panther
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
During my spare time, I enjoy completing interior design and art projects, cooking, movies, and biking. I also enjoy practicing French.
Research Focus:
My research focus is the intersection of infectious diseases and maternal and child health. More specifically, my current work focuses on COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and placental health. My future interest is to assess maternal COVID-19 infection and long-term maternal and child health outcomes.
What inspired your interest in pursuing your degree?
I became inspired to pursue a doctorate in Epidemiology through my exposure to research projects in Tanzania and Nepal during my MPH program at the University of Sheffield in England. Working on maternal and child health research projects in these low-income settings helped me realize the significant impact I could have on improving health outcomes through research. However, I realized that I lacked advanced training in research design, implementation, data analysis, and grant writing, which are skills that I need to become an effective independent researcher. Although my MPH equipped me with skills to design and evaluate public health interventions, I needed the expertise to generate and evaluate evidence to support the interventions I intend to develop. After exploring several health-related PhD programs, I became convinced that I needed a PhD in Epidemiology to build the skills that I lacked.
Why did you choose to study at MSU?
I decided to study at MSU because of its academic excellence, recognition as a top research institution, and diverse student population. I also wanted to experience life up north and get to see the great lakes and other beautiful sceneries that Michigan has to offer after several years in the South (Georgia).
What are some of the best things about being an MSU/Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics student?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a student in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics is the unwavering support I’ve consistently received. Whenever I’ve needed guidance, there has always been a faculty or staff member ready to assist or direct me to the appropriate resources. Additionally, the department’s small size makes it a bit easier to build connections. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know most faculty and staff by name and occasionally have brief conversations, which has made me feel more connected to the department than I did three years ago when I started the PhD program.
Any thoughts or advice for current students?
My advice to current students is to get to know the faculty and staff in the department when you have the opportunity, either through classes, work, or departmental events, and build meaningful connections with them. Also, connect with other students in the program, especially those in your cohort; when you do, the department starts to feel like home, and you feel more comfortable asking for help and guidance when needed.
What are your future plans?
Post graduation, I hope to work at an institution where I can enhance my research and grant writing skills while expanding my professional network. Long-term, I hope to collaborate with other researchers and institutions to establish a maternal and child health research center in Liberia.