Nadom Safi
The presence of expert supervisors attracted me to the Faculty of Health.
Key research areas/interests: Cancer, maternal and perinatal health, Rheumatic diseases and other chronic diseases.
Principal Supervisor: Professor Elizabeth Sullivan
Summary of research project:
‘Pregnancy associated cancer: maternal and baby outcome’
Cancer represents the second most common cause of death among women aged 15 -45 years. Pregnancy associated cancer (PAC) which is defined as the cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth, is challenging to manage and imposes a heavy burden on the woman and her family. By using a population based approach, this project aims to investigate the maternal and baby outcomes for women with PAC and to examine the risk factors for the adverse outcomes.
Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
The presence of expert supervisors and the availability of facilities necessary to complete my project are the main reasons that attracted me to the faculty of health at UTS.
What contribution to knowledge are you planning to make with your research project?
This project will provide a population based evidence on the impact of pregnancy associated cancer on the pregnancy, maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities.
Who will benefit from your research? How?
This research will provide information necessary for the patients and their physicians to identify the best management plan for women with pregnancy associated cancer and to assist in the development of clinical practice guidelines.
How did you go about selecting your supervisor?
Professor Elizabeth Sullivan is a public health physician, well known for her experience as a medical epidemiologist, specialising in the fields of perinatal and maternal health. She led national studies on serious conditions in pregnancy. Professor Sullivan has significant expertise in large database management and applications of statistical techniques to population data.
What has been the most valuable part of your research student experience at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
One of the most valuable parts of my research experience is the experience in research I have gained from working with my supervisors and other professional researchers at the Faculty of Health. The other important parts are activities that involve interaction with other PhD students to benefit from their experiences such as the student forum and public health meeting group held at the Faculty of Health at UTS.
