Interview with Nurul Amanina Binte Hussain
 | Nurul Amanina Binte Hussain a PhD student at at the Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland. Her PhD project involves the application of implementation science research approach to understand how total body photography technology for early detection and prevention of skin cancer can be adopted in different healthcare settings. Particularly, the contextual factors that would facilitate or constrain adoption of such technologies. Her PhD is supervised by Prof Monika Janda, Associate Prof Ingrid Hickman, and Prof Peter Soyer. |
What experiences or background influenced your decision to pursue a PhD?
A keen interest in health sciences and natural curiosity initially motivated me to enter the field of research. Through my experience working in both universities and hospital settings, I developed a deeper commitment to public health and health systems and services research. These roles also gave me valuable exposure to health sytems in the region, allowing me to appreciate how services are designed and adapted to meet the needs of the population it serves. Pursuing a PhD is deliberate step for me to systematically strengthen my research skills while also cultivating the broader soft skills that are essential for advancing a career in health research. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to improving health outcomes by generating evidence that informs practice.
What is the focus of your PhD research?
The focus of my research is to apply an implementation science research approach to understand the enablers and barriers to the adoption of total body photography technology for the early detection of skin cancer.
What has been the most rewarding part of your PhD journey so far?
The most rewarding aspect of my PhD journey thus far, has been the opportunity to learn and engage with a wide range of research projects and initiatives, many of which have had significant impact. This exposure highlighted the diverse ways in which research question can be approached and examined, broadening my perspective on methodology and inquiry. Seeing how others frame and condut their work has been both eye-opening and inspirational, reinforcing my appreciation for the creativity and rigour that underpin meaningful research.
What challenges have you faced during your PhD, and how did you overcome them?
Despite applying time management strategies to balance different tasks required during my PhD, there have been times when unexpected circumstances beyond my control caused delays. To overcome these delays, I learned how to adapt my plans and ensure that there is some flexibility. I also developed stronger communication skills by keeping supervisors and collaborators updated, which helped managed expectations and maintain momentum. These experiences taught me patience and resilience, reinforcing the importance of contingency planning and prioritisation.
What skills have you gained during your PhD that you didn’t expect to develop?
Knowledge translation is a skill that I did not expect to develop very early during my PhD. Through engaging with diverse stakeholders, I quickly realised the importance of communication complex research findings in ways that are understandable and meaningful beyond the academic community. There were times when I had to share my research effectively to stakeholders, or learn from the approaches taken by other researchers in communication, which helped me to appreciate the responsibility researchers have in bridging the gap between evidence and practice. Developing this skill has also strengthened my confidence in communicating with others.
Have you had the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers, locally or internationally?
Yes, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers on several projects. Although these projects were all within the field of dermatology, they employed different approaches and methodologies to examine the tools the public uses for skin cancer screening. Working alongside colleagues with varied perspectives and expertise not only contributed to the development and refinement of my own research skills, but also broadened my understanding of the field and allowed me to gain valuable experience integrating diverse viewpoints and appreciate the strengths of multidisciplinary inquiry.
What’s one piece of advice you’ve received during your PhD that really stuck with you?
The advice I take to heart is to enjoy the process, journey, and camaraderie built with fellow peers. Pursuing a PhD is not easy, and there are inevitably many challenges along the way. Keeping this perspective or mindset has helped me appreciate the learning opportunities that arise at each stage, celebrate small milestones, and remain resilitent during setbacks. It’s also a constant reminder that a PhD is not only about producing a thesis, but growing as a researcher and developing skills that can be applied beyond the program.
