Laura Khan

School Attended While Participating in the Student Fellows Program: Harvard University

Contact E-mail: LKHAN@hsph.harvard.edu

Areas/Topics of Interest in MCH:

I am interested in global health with a focus on the social and cultural determinants of health in low resource settings. The importance of social infrastructure and support systems for women and children in developing countries cannot be understated with regards to health outcomes. I also enjoy studying political and policy challenges to development and public health progress.

Current Research/Area of Study:

My current research focuses on women’s delivery practices in urban slum areas in South Asia. I have done qualitative and quantitative research in Mumbai, India regarding contraceptive knowledge and use, location of delivery, and maternal and child health outcomes. I am currently investigating the role of the extended family in women’s decision-making processes.

Accomplishments:

Maternal and Child Health Training Grant Recipient, 2009-        2010

US Peace Corps service completion, Fiji Islands (’06-’08)

Current Work:

I have current research projects with Partners in Urban Knowledge, Action and Research (PUKAR) in Mumbai, India on maternal health and at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies on data quality

Future Work:  Additional research assistantships and completion of Master of Science Degree in 2011