Bai Sahareah Mamogkat Guinzon
Master of Public Health student
She chose the Master of Public Health to deepen her understanding of health policies and their impact on populations, says Bai Sahareah Mamogkat Guinzon who came to AUT as an international student from the Philippines, supported by a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.
“My commitment to health equity and social justice drives my desire to advocate for underserved communities and address health disparities. What I’ve enjoyed most about my studies at AUT is the opportunity to apply public health theories and evidence to real-world health challenges. The Master of Public Health at AUT provides a strong balance between academic knowledge, research and practical application. It has helped me develop a deeper understanding of public health issues, health policy, health equity and the social determinants of health, while also strengthening my critical thinking and research skills.
“One of the aspects I value most is the supportive learning environment. The lecturers are knowledgeable and approachable, and the diverse student community provides opportunities to learn from different perspectives and experiences. This has enriched my learning and helped me appreciate the importance of cultural responsiveness in public health practice. Overall, my studies at AUT have been both intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding because they’ve equipped me with the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to public health practice and policy.”
For her master’s degree research, Bai is examining the factors that contribute to measles outbreaks and low immunisation coverage among young children living in areas affected by conflict, displacement and humanitarian crises. Her research is supervised by Associate Professor Ailsa Holloway.
“Armed conflicts often disrupt healthcare systems, damage infrastructure, displace communities and limit access to routine immunisation services. As a result, many children miss essential vaccinations, increasing their risk of infection and contributing to disease outbreaks. My passion for health equity and improving health outcomes for underserved populations motivated me to focus on this area of research. By identifying and synthesising existing evidence, my research aims to inform public health policies, guide immunisation strategies and support humanitarian interventions that can improve vaccine access and protect vulnerable children. Ultimately, I hope this work will contribute to reducing preventable childhood illness and deaths while promoting more equitable health outcomes in crisis-affected communities.”
Welcoming and supportive
What she has enjoyed most about living and studying in Auckland is the opportunity to grow both academically and personally while sharing the experience with her family, Bai says.
“As a parent of four children, Auckland has provided a welcoming, safe and family-friendly environment that has supported both my educational journey and my family's wellbeing. Living in a multicultural city has enabled my family and I to interact with people from different backgrounds, learn from diverse perspectives and feel part of a vibrant community. Studying at AUT while raising a family has also helped me develop resilience, time management and perseverance. The support I’ve received from the university, combined with Auckland's excellent educational, recreational and community facilities, has enabled me to balance my academic responsibilities with my family commitments.”
She has appreciated the support she has received throughout her studies so far.
“I’ve been fortunate to receive support from several AUT staff members and services throughout my studies. The AUT library has been an invaluable resource, particularly during the research and writing stages of my Master of Public Health. The library staff have always been helpful in guiding me to relevant academic resources, databases and research support services, which greatly assisted me in completing my assignments and research project. I’ve also appreciated the support provided by AUTSA, which helped create a sense of community and belonging during my time at AUT. The services, events and student support initiatives contributed positively to my overall student experience and wellbeing.
“In addition, I’m grateful to the lecturers and teaching staff across the programme. Their expertise, encouragement and willingness to provide guidance both inside and outside the classroom significantly enhanced my learning experience. They challenged me to think critically, supported my academic development and inspired me to pursue my interests in health equity, public health policy and research.”
Advice for other students
Expecting to complete her studies in 2027, Bai has some great advice for other students.
“My advice to other students is to stay focused on your goals, be resilient and make the most of every opportunity available to you. Postgraduate studies can be challenging, especially when balancing academic, personal and family responsibilities, but perseverance and good time management can make a significant difference. Another important piece of advice is to stay curious and open-minded. Take advantage of opportunities to engage with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds, as these experiences can broaden your perspective and enrich your learning.”
Seek support when you need it, she adds.
“AUT offers excellent resources, including lecturers, the library and student support services, all of which can help you succeed academically and personally. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek guidance and connect with your peers, as learning is enhanced through collaboration and shared experiences. Finally, remember to maintain a healthy balance between your studies and personal wellbeing. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and trust in your abilities. Every challenge you overcome contributes to your growth and brings you closer to achieving your goals.”
