Improving public health main motivator for PhD graduate

A long way from home, Dr Denisse Sanchez Lozano of Mexico recently graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy after a study journey she likened to a thrilling ‘rollercoaster’ ride that included various twists and turns along the way.

Dr Sanchez Lozano has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Monterrey Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Forensic Science led by universities in Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom. She says she was overjoyed to have the opportunity to study in New Zealand at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University.

“I found out in December 2017 that I was successful in my application to study at Massey. It was the best Christmas present I could have received.”

With a passion for both science and public health, Dr Sanchez Lozano concentrated her thesis efforts on New Zealand’s policy response to methamphetamine contamination in residential properties and how tenants and landlords were impacted.

“My findings demonstrated that scientific evidence such as the thresholds at which methamphetamine contamination results in adverse health effects is difficult to obtain, interpret and translate into appropriate policies.

“My research also highlights the need to balance scientific uncertainty with the potential outcomes of policy implementation.”

She admits that seeing first-hand how affected landlords and tenants were impacted by current policies was ‘eye-opening’ and it wasn’t always necessarily the best outcome for all involved. This strengthened Dr Sanchez Lozano’s interest and helped ignite her passion to want to help guide governing policies on residential properties that have suspected contamination.

“The possibility of my findings being used to improve public health has been a great motivation for me.”

Dr Denisse Sanchez was pleasantly surprised by the interest her project has gained from overseas stakeholders who have had this issue and how it is being used in the recent Government consultation on proposed regulation of methamphetamine contamination in rental housing.

Dr Sanchez Lozano has admitted doing her PhD has been a wild ride. Whilst in the thick of studying, she made what was supposed to be a quick trip back home to Mexico to get married, but due to COVID-19 it turned into a 13-month long stint after the New Zealand borders closed. Luckily Dr Sanchez Lozano could continue studying by distance and the time away didn’t impact her academically.

Celebrating her success with friends and family at graduation was a real highlight. The live screening of her ceremony meant her family from Mexico could join in on the celebrations virtually.

“Graduation was a pretty special day as it was also my Dad’s birthday. After the ceremony my husband and I took my friends and supervisors out to a local Mexican restaurant to celebrate.”

When asked what’s next Dr Sanchez Lozano says, “I would love to apply my doctoral skills to do meaningful work that contributes to the wellbeing of the community.”