Annette Aliu, Health and Medical Sciences PhD

Annette Aliu PhD

In addition to her doctorate, Annette is a member of the conference committee for Making the Invisible Visible. The conference takes place on Thursday 15th June 2023 and is free to attend; sign up here.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re studying.

My name is Anietie Aliu, my friends call me Annette. I am a Healthcare Professional, a Registered Nurse for over 10 years before venturing into Public Health. I obtained MSc Public Health/Health Promotion at Brunel University, London and PgCerts. International Health Consultancy from London School of Tropical Medicine. As a Int’l Health Consultant, I am drawn to bridging the inequality gaps in health and access to healthcare. My research is trying to understand the inequality in the uptake of Breast Cancer Screening in the UK among the ethnic minorities particularly, the Black British of African/Caribbean descents.

What convinced you to become a postgraduate researcher?

I have always been a bookworm because of my passion for research and always trying to find new ways to answer some intriguing life questions, especially as it relates to health and wellbeing. Hence for me, postgraduate research is a quest to find facts using well-structured questions.

What was your first impression of the University of Surrey?

Beautiful topography. Many years ago when I first visited the University, I could not spot students/lecturers who were of mixed race. I thought to myself, ‘oh this must be a British-white school’. The picture seems different now and I think it is a fantastic place that nurtures students from all walks of life and boost of excellent research standards.

How do you combine your studies with your other life commitments?

The Doctoral College offers comprehensive support structures for the PGRs. How to prioritise your work and still have a life is part of the important courses I treasure. The effective supervisory composition means you have strategic and customised layout that enables you to work at your pace. Planning your work in small bite-size is key for me and the discipline to focus on what matters the most. Having a family that understands and support you, is an added advantage.

What types of research are you excited to see at the Making the Invisible Visible conference, and why?

I am looking forward to the unveiling of some amazing research that will bring to light the incredible work that researchers are involved in; especially the PGRs and ECRs. Whether abstracts, posters and other forms of presentations, we will see research covering the three main areas of focus: Sustainable and Resilient Futures; Digital and Technological Futures; and Healthy and Inclusive Futures. The big aim of MIV is to move research findings from the shelves to the end-users for accessibility and benefit.

What impact do you think the Making the Invisible Visible conference will have at Surrey?

I see it as a great opportunity for PGRs and ECRs to come together in an atmosphere of cordiality to showcase their work, network with each other and learn from each other. MIV conference will draw Research experts from within and outside the University, staff and students supporting the friendly atmosphere in the University. New winner in 3min Thesis (presenting your enormous research work in 3 minutes for a lay-persons understanding) will emerge and exciting prices will be won.

What does Making the Invisible Visible mean to you?

Making Invisible Visible also reminds me of the Surrey Black Scholars who are becoming Visible through cohesive effort and positive contributions to science to improve life and living. Sometimes, all that is needed is an opportunity to unravel hidden treasures, and Making Invisible Visible Conference has made that opportunity available.