Sher Wah Paw (Kiki) Doo – Master of Public Health
Research Intern, The Kids Research Institute Australia
For UWA Master of Public Health student Kiki, a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship at The Kids Research Institute Australia offered the opportunity to combine her public health studies with research aimed at improving the wellbeing of young people.
Based at Perth Children's Hospital, The Kids Research Institute Australia brings together researchers, clinicians and community partners to improve child health through research. Kiki's internship was based within the Children's Diabetes Centre, which supports more than 1,300 young people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and their families across Western Australia through clinical care, education and research.
Kiki joined a project exploring the relationship between T1D, eating and body image concerns, and mental health among children and adolescents.
“I wanted to network and be part of an active community,” she said. “This was a wonderful opportunity because it is not every day that you can intern in a notable organisation that actively contributes to children’s wellbeing.”
The project focuses on helping health professionals better support young people living with T1D. Managing a chronic condition can present challenges beyond physical health, and the research aims to inform future guidance that helps clinicians navigate difficult conversations around mental wellbeing and eating concerns.
In practice, Kiki contributed to research activities that examined the evidence and helped identify how healthcare professionals can be better equipped to support patients and families.
“I think this research will benefit young people living with T1D and assist health professionals to be more confident,” she said. “Everyone deserves wellness in all areas of health.”
One of the aspects Kiki appreciated most was the trust and independence she was given by the research team.
“Despite still being a student, I was given resources, independence, support and trust from my supervisor to initiate and complete tasks at my own pace,” she said.
Her supervisor, Dr Anna Boggiss, said Kiki made a valuable contribution to the team.
“Kiki has impressed us with her quick ability to understand the intersection between mental health and type 1 diabetes,” she said. “She has offered benefit to the team in terms of her interpretation of key findings through her public health lens.”
Like many students transitioning into a research environment, Kiki found managing project timelines challenging at first.
“The most challenging part of my internship was the time management of my assigned tasks,” she said. “However, this became a learning opportunity for me to delegate tasks more efficiently and effectively.”
The experience encouraged her to seek clarification when needed, strengthening her communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Beyond technical research skills, the internship also changed how she views chronic illness and the people living with it.
“My studies gave me the theoretical foundations, and this internship highlighted how the lived experiences of chronic illness influence daily choices and long-term health outcomes,” she said.
This perspective reinforced the importance of research that goes beyond medical treatment to consider the broader wellbeing of children and families.
For Kiki, the placement demonstrated how public health research can influence real-world practice and contribute to better support for vulnerable groups.
She encourages other students to consider a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship.
“It is a great way to step out of your comfort zone, build networks, enhance professionalism and explore practical learning,” she said.