Aklilu Habte Hailegebireal
Doctor of Philosophy candidate
What is the relationship between fetal malposition and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes? That’s the interesting topic Aklilu Habte Hailegebireal is exploring for his PhD, supported by an AUT Doctoral Scholarship.
“Growing up in Ethiopia – a developing African country with significant maternal, neonatal and child health challenges – I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of preventable complications on families and communities. This experience ignited my passion for improving healthcare outcomes through rigorous research. My PhD perfectly aligns with this mission. By examining fetal malposition, a modifiable risk factor for adverse birth outcomes, I aim to use these insights to improve birth outcomes in both high-income settings like Aotearoa and low-resource contexts like Ethiopia, where malposition management could save countless lives with simple, scalable interventions.
“My research could revolutionise clinical practice by quantifying the attributable risk of malposition for composite adverse outcomes and neonatal encephalopathy, which will strengthen the evidence base for targeted intrapartum monitoring guidelines. In addition, the methodological framework, which combines advanced biostatistics with kaupapa Māori research principles, will set a new standard for perinatal equity research in Aotearoa New Zealand. Beyond academia, my findings can also directly benefit clinicians through risk prediction tools and community health workers through culturally adapted prevention resources.”
Aklilu’s PhD research is supervised by Dr Jennifer Barrowclough from AUT’s midwifery department, and he says he is honoured to be supervised by someone with such extensive expertise in maternal and neonatal health outcomes, especially related to fetal malposition, as well as a strong commitment to evidence-based midwifery practice and intrapartum care.
Nurturing research development
Aklilu says he chose AUT for his PhD because of the university’s reputation for applied, real-world research and its commitment to creating meaningful change in healthcare systems. It’s a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted, and he has appreciated AUT’s dynamic academic environment and support to empower his research.
“Being awarded the AUT Doctoral Scholarship in 2024 has been transformative. It allows me to focus fully on my study, with financial security and access to key resources. Beyond this, AUT has offered me the opportunity to work with an exceptional supervisory team whose diverse expertise – spanning midwifery, nursing and biostatistics – has profoundly enriched my research from both an analytical and a cultural perspective. The team provides not just expert guidance but genuine care for my development as a global researcher.”
He also values the opportunities he has been able to access as a PhD student.
“Attending events like the Perinatal Society of New Zealand Conference and the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences Research Roadshow has honed my ability to communicate complex findings. The National Women’s Health Annual Clinical Report Presentation Day and IUE’s Turangawaewae Marae Kairangahau visit grounded my work in real-world clinical and Māori health contexts. The workshops on research methodologies and thesis writing, organised by the university’s library, have sharpened my technical skills.
“These opportunities collectively represent how AUT nurtures both the technical and professional dimensions of research development. They've empowered me to grow from an Ethiopian researcher into a globally engaged researcher, equipped to address maternal health challenges across different cultural contexts. Each milestone reinforces my commitment to producing work that honours AUT's investment and contributes meaningfully to improving birth outcomes worldwide.”
Advice for other students
Expecting to complete his PhD in 2027, Aklilu has some great advice for other students who are considering doctoral study.
“My key advice is to embrace challenges as a growth opportunity. I learned that asking for help early – from supervisors, AUT’s support services or peers – is a strength, not a weakness. Take full advantage of AUT’s resources, like research workshops and scholarships, and immerse yourself in both academic and cultural experiences. Stay curious, be persistent and align your work with what truly matters to you. This passion will sustain you through the academic journey. Most importantly, believe in your potential to create impact, here or back in your home country.”
He wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT’s PhD programme.
“I’d wholeheartedly recommend AUT's doctoral programme to aspiring researchers, especially those passionate about creating real-world impact in health sciences. As an international student from Ethiopia, I've found this to be a transformative experience that combines academic rigor with exceptional support systems. The programme stands out for its world-class supervision, research-integrated learning, a comprehensive support ecosystem and a vibrant research community.”
