Sostina Matina

GEMMS Research Group

• Conducting research on the intersection of gendered violence and mental health among migrant populations in precarious situations across South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
• Developing conceptual and methodological tools to address the damaging cycle of gendered violence and poor mental health.
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team from six institutions across four countries (India,Myanmar, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) to design evidence-based interventions and training programs.
• Engaging with affected communities to ensure participatory research methodologies and co-designing responsive solutions.
• Aiming to disrupt the cycle of poor mental health and gendered violence through innovative public health interventions tailored to the changing needs of mobile and migrant populations.

• Analyzed large datasets using statistical software packages such as R and STATA, uncovering crucial insights for further investigation.
• Applied advanced statistical methods to analyze complex datasets, revealing novel insights into studied phenomena.
• Contributed to the publication of multiple high-impact research articles, showcasing the significance of the findings.
• Investigating how extended households negotiate and provide care to people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD)
• Presented research findings at international conferences, increasing visibility within the scientific community.

• Guided students through various steps in brainstorming, researching, outlining, writing, revising and publishing
• Evaluated and graded assignments or papers and recorded grades
• Informed students of procedures for completing and submitting class work
• Led discussion sections, tutorials sections
• Met with supervisors to discuss grades or complete grade-related paperwork
• Returned assignments to students to comply with established deadlines.
• Established rapport with students by demonstrating empathy towards their writing difficulties and celebrating their successes.
• Addressed common writing challenges such as grammar, punctuation, style, and structure during consultations with students.

• Contributing to writing Systematic Reviews (Academic)
• Participated in extra training and courses to refine and improve upon industry knowledge
• Working with other early career researchers
• Report Writing.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive research strategies and methodologies.
• Contributed to the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles, demonstrating expertise in subject matter.
• Conducted extensive literature reviews, summarizing key findings to inform future studies.

• Participated in extra training and courses to refine and improve upon industry knowledge
• Encouraged participation and provided focus and guidance for discussions within group
• Facilitating book clubs with undergraduate students.

• Designed curriculum-aligned assessments to measure student progress and inform instructional decisions.
• Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
• Led professional development sessions for fellow teachers on topics such as technology integration or assessment design, contributing to a culture of ongoing improvement within the school community.
• Improved student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and real-life examples into lesson plans.
• Provided constructive feedback on assignments, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and academic growth.
• Assessed student performance and provided feedback to facilitate student success.
• Supervised Honors students on their theses

• Qualitative Data analysis using QDA-Miner
• Assisted with development of dashboards and reports using spreadsheet and visualization software
• Coordinated with team members and organizational partners to identify and resolve data issues
• Responsible for coming up with codes and themes
• Enhanced communication among team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Enhanced research quality by implementing rigorous data analysis techniques and innovative methodologies.

• Teaching urban anthropology and research proposal writing
• Created instructional and lecture plans for classes in compliance with course objectives
• Utilized diverse teaching methods, lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum
• Delivered course lectures using modern technology to enhance student comprehension
• Evaluated student progress, delivering feedback for individual improvement
• Selected innovative teaching methods to deliver course content
• Developed lectures to accommodate for different learning styles, maximizing students' comprehension
• Tailored lectures to meet student needs, emphasizing skills and concepts necessary for professional and academic success
• Identified areas of difficulty for students, developing additional resources for review
• Used exams, quizzes and projects to assess how well students grasped learning material and concepts.
• Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
• Promoted collaboration among students through group projects and presentations, fostering teamwork and communication skills.

• Supervising 5 fieldworkers
• Reporting to the Principal Investigators
• Systems Management
• Writing field report
• Project Planning
• Created project plans with established timelines, assigned to appropriate teams and managed workflow throughout fieldwork
• Developed solutions to project risks and issues, meeting quality and timeline goals and objectives
• Reviewed project risks and devised proactive strategies to avoid potential roadblocks.
• Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
• Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.

• Youth Leadership Implementation Study
• Supported other researchers in study- and project-related activities
• Adapted general research methodologies to meet project-specific requirements
• Communicated findings to clients using multimedia, narrative writing and presentation skills to tell informative and compelling stories
• Supported field research projects of large scope and complexity under guidance of leadership.

• Worked on different projects
• Supported field research projects of large scope and complexity under guidance of leadership
• Adapted general research methodologies to meet project-specific requirements
• Collaborated with the leadership team to identify relevant questions and determine the best collection methods
• Streamlined research processes to meet tight deadlines
• Managed compliance with established regulations, protocols, and goals
• Supervised data collection, data quality, analysis, evaluation, and dissemination for research projects
• Collected open- and closed-source data.
• Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to conduct comprehensive studies and generate valuable insights.

• Check Subject Availability and inventory
• Management and assurance of quality
• Check Professor Availability, Selection, Follow up
• Perform Course Quality Assurance
• Course and Program Development
• Thesis and dissertation coordination
• Curriculum review and development
• Evaluating professors
• Assisting in training efforts and collaboration across all the departments
• Conduct Quality Assurance Measures
• Liaised with campus leaders to highlight program courses, achievements, and events, helping to strengthen recruitment efforts
• Developed or used assessment instruments to monitor student learning results.
• Streamlined academic processes by implementing efficient organizational strategies and communication systems.

• Soweto Baby Wash Study
• Recruitment of participants in the Maternity ward
• Anthropometry on infants and mothers
• Food Sampling Study
• Traveled to field sites to collect and record data and samples as appropriate to specific objectives of study
• Conducted surveys, interviews, and experimental research
• Microbiome Study
• Recruiting Mothers in Soweto
• Collecting Saliva samples for DNA tests
• Collecting Breast milk samples
• Collecting faecal samples of infants
• Traveled to field sites to collect and record data and samples as appropriate to specific objectives of the study
• Organized, labeled, and stored study biospecimens.

Overall

• Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
• Implemented ethical guidelines throughout all stages of the research process, fostering responsible conduct in scientific pursuits.
• Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
• Optimized experimental procedures through rigorous testing and troubleshooting efforts, reducing errors in result interpretation.

• Teaching Critical Thinking
• Teaching, Marking, and Invigilating
• Assisted students in finding useful study methods to enhance academic performance
• Helped students review and understand previous lessons to make connections with new lesson
• Designed a comfortable tutoring environment conducive to learning
• Met with students to clarify and review concepts taught in class and solve specific problems
• Helped students review and understand previous lessons to make connection with new lesson.