My name is Ayen Martin and I am a South Sudanese Australian. Professionally, I am a Biomedical Scientist, Infectious Disease Researcher, Biotechnologist, and a Public Health Specialist. I am currently doing my PhD at The University of Queensland, Australia. My research is investigating the Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and the Country Response to HIV/AIDS in South Sudan. Needless to say, I am also a mother. I was a mother before I joined university.
Additionally, I have a strong passionate for public health, infectious diseases, nutrition, wellness and scientific research. I have many years of experience in the field of infectious disease research including Malaria Research at Melbourne University, Dengue Research at Monash University and now HIV Research at the University of Queensland.
Apart from Infectious Disease Research, I have a deep passion for Biochemistry and Biotechnology. I have worked in various pharmaceutical companies for many years including GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Aspen Pharmacare Australia. Academically, I studied Master of Biotechnology at Monash University. I also have a Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science with Honours at The University of Melbourne. My first degree, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science was obtained at Deakin University.
Furthermore, I love teaching. Not only can you help your students learn, but you also learn about things that you teach. Teaching is the best way to learn as a teacher yourself. Thus, I have taught as a Second-Year Physiology and Biochemistry Demonstrator at Deakin University for years. I also do private tutoring ranging from primary school to university. Hence, it is not surprising that I love learning and reading. Most importantly, I value health and fitness a lot. Most often, I spend my leisure in solitude, exercising or quietly in the nature with my favourite podcast or audiobook. Sometimes, I turn off my phone and sit quietly outside at dawn watching the Sunrise. Routinely, I wake up every day at 5am unless the busyness of life interrupts this schedule.
But why this blog? Because I love science and I am very passionate about health and wellbeing. I have always wanted to write about scientific and health stuff. I want to raise awareness and educate people on diseases and the importance of good health. Moreover, I want to inspire and empower people, especially women and girls to dream big and pursue their purpose. I have been putting off this blog for a long time but as Elon Musk once said, ‘If something is important enough, even if the odds are stacked against you, you should still do it.’ It is very important to me that I contribute towards the fight against infectious diseases and ill health by sharing what I know while I continue to learn more.
Barack Obama once said, ‘If there’s even one thing we can do – even one life we can save – we have an obligation to try.’ Therefore, I have moral duty to use the knowledge I have to raise awareness on important health issues and in doing so, I may save some lives.
Please support me by subscribing to this blog or by sharing my articles or videos with your network. You can also follow me on my social media so that you will never miss any post from me. I want to reach more people and I cannot do it alone without your support. Thank you for following me. I hope this blog will also inspire and motivate you to follow your dreams and live your purpose. Whatever you do, always remember to have fun, smile often and follow your dreams.
With love and care,
Ayen
