I have an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering, where my research focus had been Airborne Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). The research focus of my PhD in Health Innovation was investigating knowledge development and exchange among actors involved in orthopaedic device development in South Africa.

In my time at the CSIR Built Environment, I gained hands on experience in airborne IPC in all levels of healthcare in South Africa, conducting IPC risk assessments including measurements, analysis and reporting. A big focus was on engineering controls, including natural ventilation design, Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) installation measurement and analysis, and sputum booth analysis and advice. It was at the CSIR that I found my love for working closely with communities in healthcare. As a Postdoctoral researcher in Health Innovation, I have continued with research focusses in IPC, medical device development and health innovation. I am an advocate for the use of appropriate technologies, and the implementation of methodologies such as design thinking and user-centered design in the development of appropriate technologies.

If you would like to connect and collaborate in the health innovation space, please email me at faatiema@gmail.com