Preet Kamal Phull has built a diverse career across healthcare, research, and the pharmaceutical industry. Having grown up in Kenya and worked in both clinical and industrial settings, she developed an early understanding of health systems and patient care in different contexts. After completing studies in pharmacy and later a Master’s degree in Nutrition Research in Sweden, she decided to shift her focus toward global health. Today, she continues to build her career in global health, drawing on the knowledge, skills and international perspective she gained during her studies.
Why did you choose the programme?
– I chose this programme as a way to strengthen my career path and transition into a more globally focused area within the life sciences. With my background in pharmacy and nutrition, I was looking for something that combined clinical knowledge with public health and a rights-based perspective. When I came across the SRH programme at Dalarna University, it felt like the right opportunity to expand my skills and work towards a more meaningful impact in global health.
How has the programme contributed to your professional development?
– Absolutely. The programme has strengthened my skills in research, critical thinking, and scientific writing. I have gained a deeper understanding of global health systems and SRH challenges, and I feel more confident working in international and interdisciplinary environments. The knowledge I gained during the programme is directly relevant to the work I am doing today.
What has been the most memorable part of the programme?
– The most memorable part of the programme was my Master’s thesis and the supervision process. It was both challenging and rewarding, and it helped me develop strong research and analytical skills. The guidance from my supervisor played a key role in building my confidence, especially in scientific writing and conducting research independently.
What are the strengths of the programme?
– One of the main strengths is the flexibility and online learning format, which allows you to study alongside other commitments. It feels very much like working independently in a professional setting. At the same time, there are strong opportunities for collaboration and teamwork. I also really valued the diversity of the student group, which creates a global learning environment and meaningful connections. For me, connecting with students from Africa was especially meaningful, given my own background.
How has the programme shaped your career journey?
– I have contributed to structuring programme content for PhD students at Debre Berhan University in Ethiopia, as part of an international collaboration with Dalarna University. I have also been involved in designing and distributing an alumni survey to assess career outcomes and supporting manuscript writing and other academic and administrative tasks.
It has been a very rewarding experience to be part of the faculty environment, where I have felt supported and encouraged to grow. Working in such an international setting has been especially valuable, and I truly appreciate being part of this collaborative and global academic community.
Looking ahead, I aim to continue building my career in research, particularly as a research assistant, with a focus on scientific writing and contributing to impactful work in global sexual and reproductive health.
Advice to future students
– Be prepared for independent learning and take full advantage of the flexibility the programme offers. Time management and self-discipline are very important, especially in an online format. At the same time, I would encourage students to actively engage with their peers. The diversity of the student group is one of the biggest strengths of the programme. Building connections and sharing perspectives really enriches the experience.
About Preet
Before joining Dalarna University's Master's Programme in Global Sexual and Reproductive Health, Preet studied pharmacy and later completed a Master's degree in Nutrition Research in Sweden. Originally from Kenya, she has worked across healthcare, research and the pharmaceutical industry. Her studies also led to opportunities to contribute to research and academic activities within the SRH field at Dalarna University.
From: Kenya
Programme: Master's Programme in Global Sexual and Reproductive Health
Previous studies: Pharmacy and Nutrition Research
Professional background: Healthcare, research and the pharmaceutical industry
Areas of interest: Global sexual and reproductive health, research and scientific writing