Honor Society® member
Meron Mengistu
Researcher at Global Health & Innovation Lab
- Global Health Policy
- Class of 2022
- undefined, ontario, canada
Member since September 2020
About
As a second-generation child of Ethiopian Refugee parents, and the first of my family to complete my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto, pursuing my Master's at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has been a collective goal for my family and I. I consider myself a compassionate, positive, and knowledge-seeking individual that takes pride in delivering the highest quality of work in everything I do. My natural competitive nature learned from my extensive experience in athletics (volleyball and soccer) have taught me confidence, perseverance and the importance of collaboration. From my love of music and sports, to my eagerness to improve existing health systems in developing countries, I am a multi-faceted individual ready to shine brightly in the Global Health scene.
Education
-
University of Toronto
Population Health
2014 – 2018
-
University of Toronto
Molecular Biology/Immunology/Disease
2014 – 2018
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I intend to be part of the Global Health community by immersing myself in a trans-disciplinary approach to addressing infectious diseases. Ultimately, I'd like to strengthen my leadership, collaborative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, all of which will prepare me for a career at an international organization. I aspire to improve existing health systems in Ethiopia that rely on curative interventions by introducing stronger preventative frameworks. I acknowledge the complex webbing of health disparities and the social determinants of health that exacerbate disease, and with this qualification, I am committed to discovering gaps in current systems to reduce the spread of infection, and formulate novel ideas to help respond appropriately to future outbreaks.
- Graduate school interests
Global Health Policy//Population Health//Infectious Diseases//Health Systems/Health Economics/One Health//Ethical & Sustainable Health Interventions
- Outside the classroom
MUSIC - my number one passion out of all my hobbies is music. I am a singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist - all self-taught. As an only child, I learned to occupy my time with music, and thanks to my talented father, he supported my love for music and has encouraged me to strengthen this talent of mine.
SPORTS - I have been playing volleyball and soccer since I was 9 years old, and continue to play it casually. I love to teach my younger cousins the techniques I have acquired and we usually spend our family time outside playing sports.
MOVIES - I am an avid movie watcher. Psychological thrillers such as Primal Fear, Get Out and Prisoners are a few of my favorites!
Experience
-
Researcher
Global Health & Innovation Lab
May 2020 – Mar 2021
-
Tutor
Tutor Doctor, Durham Region
Sep 2018 – Sep 2019
-
Research Assistant
University of Toronto Nutritional Sciences Dept.
Apr 2017 – Mar 2018
Volunteering
-
In partnership with Nutrido Program members, I submitted a grant proposal to introduce this gamified nutrition club into public schools across Canada. Initially established in junior schools across Nigeria, Nutrido is a useful program that encourages healthy eating behavior and attitudes, curbs early onset of obesity, and other diet-related chronic diseases.
Nutrido TM
Jul 2020
-
I was recruited to write and assemble supplementary materials for a Global Health & Human Biology Textbook that was in the process of releasing their 3rd edition. The supplementary materials consisted of informative and engaging PowerPoints, along with application-based questions for each chapter for the textbook. This textbook was later published and is currently being used in fourth-year university Global Health courses at the University of Toronto and other institutions.
Canadian Scholars Publishing
Nov 2018 – Feb 2019
-
As a Midtown416 task member, I collaborated with other members to plan, promote, and execute various workshops and fundraisers intended for the Toronto-Ethiopian community. I oversaw many successful outreach projects that targeted barriers such as: homelessness, mental health, and language barriers. At the organization, we planned trips to Ethiopia (every 2 years) for 10 qualified individuals to engage in community work ie. food drives and support at shelters for children with HIV.
Midtown416
Jan 2017 – Jan 2019
-
I was a research assistant for an oncoplasty study at North York General Hospital. I worked on accurately inputting data from 400 surveys in the span of less than 1 week through which a thoroughness for detail and ability to work efficiently was fostered. I liaised with the Project Manager and fellow volunteers resulting in an increased ability to correspond professionally and articulately within a team environment.
North York General Hospital
Jun 2015 – Nov 2016
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
- French (Canada) Fluent
Additional information
Organizations
