Papa Momodou Jack
Papa studied BA Geography at Newcastle and is currently a PhD candidate and Gates Cambridge Scholar in the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge. Read more about Papa's career
About Papa's career
Describe your current role
I am currently a PhD candidate and Gates Cambridge Scholar in the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge.
My research examines the roles of ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status in explaining differences in health outcomes under the Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) Scheme in Ethiopia.
This study will analyse regional variations in health outcomes under current political and socio-economic systems, provide practical recommendations on improving existing and future policies and programming, and examine the extent to which the CBHI scheme can contribute to the attainment of the health-related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals in Ethiopia.
Explain how you got this role after studying Geography at Newcastle
Upon graduating from Newcastle in 2015, I worked as a Consultant in the Government & Health Industries consulting practice at PwC in London.
My role involved supporting a DFID-funded international development programme focused on improving the enabling environment for inclusive and sustainable infrastructure service delivery in a number of developing countries.
Studying Geography at Newcastle was invaluable in developing the skills I needed to pursue a PhD.
Studying at Newcastle
In what ways was studying Geography at Newcastle important for getting this role?
The course exposed me to the various debates within the discipline of geography, and deepened my understanding of some of the key issues related to the geographies of health and development.
Furthermore, Newcastle University, with its outstanding Careers Service and frequent careers fairs, provided an excellent environment to engage with potential employers.
Newcastle University, with its outstanding Careers Service and frequent careers fairs, provided an excellent environment to engage with potential employers.
How do you employ skills learnt during your degree, in your current role?
Studying Geography at Newcastle was invaluable in developing the skills I needed to pursue a PhD, and I continue to employ the skills I learnt during my degree.
In particular, it is the ability to think critically, to compose strong arguments supported by relevant data and literature, and to engage with theory that has been critical in shaping me into the scholar I am today.
What was the best thing about studying Geography at Newcastle?
The Geography community! Being able to learn from world leading academics and intellectually curious peers was a truly remarkable experience.
A special thanks to my dissertation supervisor, Dr. Kate Manzo, who has always pushed me to be the best version of myself.