How a Pakistani Researcher Secured the American Association of University Women International Doctoral Fellowship to Pursue a PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Yale School of Public Health

My name is Gul Saeed. I was born in Pakistan, raised in Japan, and have lived, studied, and worked in several countries, including Canada and the United States. These diverse experiences, growing up across cultures and navigating multiple health systems, have shaped my understanding of how mental health is often overlooked, especially for marginalized groups. In many of the places I’ve called home, I’ve seen how conversations around mental health are silenced, misunderstood, or simply not prioritized. This awareness has deeply influenced both my academic and professional path, and continues to guide my work today.

I’m currently a third-year PhD candidate in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Yale School of Public Health. My research focuses on maternal and adolescent mental health, suicide prevention, and implementation science in low-resource settings, with a particular emphasis on Pakistan. Prior to beginning my doctoral studies, I earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Toronto and worked in perinatal and community mental health across Canada and the U.S., supporting women with disabilities and those experiencing mental health challenges. After my MPH, I worked with the World Health Organization on multiple research projects focused on promoting good governance and anti-corruption in health and pharmaceutical systems to advance global health equity.

I chose to pursue further education in public health because I hope to work at the systems level to address structural gaps in care through community-engaged research that centers lived experiences. Over time, I’ve witnessed the urgent need for contextually grounded, justice-driven mental health interventions, particularly in settings where distress is often medicalized, dismissed, or misunderstood. My academic work is deeply shaped by a commitment to elevating the voices of those with lived experience of mental illness and a drive to challenge dominant narratives that silence or pathologize their realities.

American Association of University Women – International Doctoral Fellowship Details

1. Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Doctoral Foreign Study Award
CAD 105,000
2. American Association of University Women – International Doctoral Fellowship
USD 25,000

Educational Background

I hold a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences with a specialization in Global Health from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, where I graduated with a CGPA of 4.0. My MPH training emphasized global health, mental health, and health systems, and offered rigorous training in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A key part of my experience was completing two semester-long practicums, during which I led and co-led research projects. These hands-on opportunities were instrumental in preparing me for doctoral study and helped me clarify my decision to pursue a PhD. Prior to my MPH, I completed my undergraduate degree at McGill University, majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Behavioral Science and Social Studies of Medicine.

My academic background has equipped me with a strong foundation in interdisciplinary approaches to public health, and my coursework, fieldwork, and research experiences have prepared me to engage deeply with questions at the intersection of global health equity, mental health, and implementation science. One particularly formative period was the year I spent working between my MPH and the start of my doctoral studies. Serving as a Research Associate at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Governance, Accountability, and Transparency, I had the opportunity to lead multiple research projects and grants, as well as contribute to publications. This role significantly strengthened my research skills and positioned me as a strong candidate for PhD programs. These experiences directly informed my decision to pursue doctoral-level research in global mental health, with a focus on culturally grounded and justice-oriented interventions.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Yale University?

To prepare for applying to doctoral programs, I conducted thorough research on institutions that aligned with my interests in global mental health and public health. I explored university websites, reviewed faculty profiles, and examined program curricula and recent publications. To narrow down my options, I focused on key factors such as finding a faculty advisor whose research closely matched my own interests and ensuring the program was fully funded.

After identifying the schools I wanted to apply to, I proactively reached out early in the process via email to professors whose research aligned with my goals to express my interest and learn more about their work and lab environments. A useful tip is not to hesitate to send a follow-up email or two if you don’t receive a response. Professors are often very busy and may simply have missed your initial message.

Additionally, I sought guidance from mentors and connected with current PhD students who generously reviewed my personal statements and application materials. Their feedback was invaluable in helping me refine my submissions and strengthen my applications.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the American Association of University Women – International Doctoral Fellowship and Other Scholarships?

As an international student studying in the US, I faced some limitations regarding the scholarships I was eligible for. To navigate this, I reached out to current international PhD students at my school to learn about the scholarships they had applied to and received. I also met weekly with my faculty advisor, who provided excellent support and helped me identify funding opportunities.

In addition, I connected with PhD students who had previously been awarded the scholarships I was targeting to get advice and application tips. This was a huge help for me! You can often find information about past recipients on the scholarship administrator’s website or through your program administrator, so I highly recommend reaching out to those individuals for advice and application tips. When it came to recommendation letters, I made sure to ask people who really know me and with whom I have worked extensively, to ensure strong and personalized support.

For feedback on my application materials, I spoke with my advisor early on to express that I would appreciate their input throughout the process. I began drafting my statements several weeks before deadlines to allow ample time for revisions, including feedback from both my faculty advisor and my local mentor in Pakistan, whose insights were especially valuable given the focus of my research.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my scholarship applications stood out because I clearly highlighted the real-world implications of my research and demonstrated how my training goals aligned with each scholarship’s objectives. For example, when applying for the Doctoral Foreign Study Award, I reviewed the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s strategic plan to ensure my proposal resonated with their current priorities. By tailoring my application materials to align with each funding body’s goals, I was able to convey a genuine fit and strong commitment to advancing their mission. Based on this experience, I highly recommend thoroughly researching the mission and strategic directions of any funding organization you apply to.

Given that these scholarships were intended to support my research, I believe my previous research experiences also made my application stand out by demonstrating not only my preparedness and ability to successfully carry out the proposed work but also the feasibility of completing the research within the funding timeline. Highlighting the project’s feasibility was crucial to show the reviewers that I can effectively utilize the scholarship resources to achieve meaningful outcomes within the expected timeframe.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, one key thing I would do differently is to start exploring scholarship opportunities right at the beginning of my doctoral studies. Some scholarships only allow applications during the first one or two years of the PhD program, so I missed out on a few valuable funding options by not being aware of this early enough.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My key advice is to start early and thoroughly research the scholarship’s goals, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. Take the time to understand the mission and strategic priorities of the funding organization by carefully reviewing their website; this will help you tailor your application to demonstrate a strong fit. Reach out to current or past recipients to gain insights and tips; this was a game-changer for me, as everyone I contacted was incredibly generous with their time and advice! Additionally, seek feedback on your application materials from mentors, advisors, and peers well before the deadline. Finally, make sure to clearly articulate the real-world implications and potential outcomes of your research, as funding bodies want to see the practical impact of the work they support. Good luck!