Dr Joe S Chidanyika

How did you find yourself on this path?

I relocated from Zimbabwe to complete a nursing degree, progressed to an MSc Public Health and recently completed a Doctorate of Health and Social Care, with a specialism in social marketing and mental health, focussing on service user's perspective of social marketing initiatives in relation to mental health stigma. My research involved a piece of innovative intervention within my specialist field which could be commercialised.

How did you find your time here?

I didn’t know much about the area when I arrived, but since my first day at the University, I never wanted to leave. Teesside is a fantastic university. The support I received over the years from my mentors and supervisors and the opportunities I have been given, have paved the way for my success – both professionally and academically. I want to be able to inspire other international students, as well as students from different backgrounds, to dream big and never give up on their goals - education is truly the passport to the future. My time at Teesside University helped me achieve my career goals, it encouraged my aspirations to gain a PhD. I am a proud graduate of this fabulous institution.