Master of Public Health 2011
"Studying at the University of Otago provided me with the ideal environment to explore my interest in women's health. It gave me a solid foundation in the latest Public Health knowledge along with the skills and confidence to take on new professional challenges. The high-level of commitment and expertise of my lecturers and supervisors ensured that I felt inspired and well-supported throughout my study”.
After finishing an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Psychology, Melissa Ludeke sought an opportunity to pursue her interest in public health. At the University of Otago she completed her Masters exploring women's views on smoking, tobacco control and cessation. She conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with twelve adult female smokers living in Hornby, Christchurch. A thematic analysis revealed that smoking was intrinsically linked to the lived circumstances of the women, determined by wider social structures that undermined their adaptive capacity to quit.
Since the completion of her Masters, Melissa has pursued experiences to work on women's health issues internationally. She went on to spend a year at a university in Kenya, assisting with the establishment of a research centre for the study of female genital cutting. Following this, Melissa has been working in Vietnam, as an Advisor for a sexual reproductive health organisation. She has recently taken on a new role at PATH, an international health organisation with a wide range of projects in Vietnam addressing reproductive, maternal and child health; HIV/AIDS; malaria and tuberculosis control; and vaccines and immunizations. Melissa values the continued support she receives from her supervisors at the University of Otago to pursue her goals in her areas of interest.
Find out more about Public Health postgraduate programmes at University of Otago.