Master of Public Health

Penelope Strauss is a 2016 graduate of the UWA Master of Public Health. In 2018 she was recognised as an AMP Tomorrow Maker for her work with young transgender (trans) people.

During her Master of Public Health, Penelope launched Trans Pathways – the largest study of trans youth ever conducted in Australia. It focused on the mental health and access to health services of 859 young participants, as well as challenges such as discrimination, bullying and homelessness. The horrific revelation that almost half of the young participants had attempted suicide drove Penelope to dedicate her career to this issue. She is currently completing her PhD through the School of Population and Global Health at UWA and Telethon Kids Institute. Penelope's research is focused on data from the Trans Pathways study, and what forms of support may help to alleviate and prevent distress in trans young people. The AMP Foundation grant will help her to discover what helped young trans people through their periods of depression and suicidal thoughts, in the hope that their experiences will guide the development of an intervention program.

“My Master of Public Health degree from UWA provided me with a strong foundation to launch me into my PhD and future research career. My MPH inspired me to look at health issues from different angles to see how we can improve the mental health of young people using evidence-based approaches.”   

1. Why did you decide to study public health?

I’ve always had a keen interest in health, whether that was typically as an active kid with sport and nutrition or more so, being curious in wanting to understand why my people were disproportionately represented in health outcomes compared to the wider Australian population. Growing up, unfortunately I would say I encountered many challenges as an Aboriginal boy from Broome. Disadvantaged health status of Aboriginal people being a leading factor. I used this experience and gap in my life as a reason why and motivation to learn more in the areas of public health, and that’s how I’ve wound up where I am. I want to be able to help impact health across the communities, stretching that public health domain and to be able to apply cultural learnings into public health systems.

2. Why did you choose to study at UWA?

Thanks to the School of Indigenous Studies (SIS) and the outreach programs provided to Indigenous high school kids, I was able to attend a few camps at a young age to gauge exposure into university life, UWA and what was potentially possible. I felt from this experience with SIS, the connections/contacts made with staff and other students throughout my schooling made me comfortable in wanting to study at UWA given the support centre for Indigenous students.

3. What are you most enjoying about your course? (lecturers, facilities, group work, projects, field trips, etc.)

I’m really enjoying the various content we cover in the MPH as it is very applicable to the real world, conditions, and experiences. The lecturers and other MPH students have also made the course enjoyable as group projects, classroom discussions and university interactions allow us all to share a very insightful experience into the world of Public Health that can be both personable and professional.

4. Do you have any particular study or career goals / What do you want to do after you graduate?

I don’t currently have any career goals other than ensuring I’m working in a sector that can help me deliver work and services for Aboriginal peoples and communities. I want to be able to continuously develop my skills and education that directly or indirectly helps my community at large but overall I see myself wanting to work in roles relating to Public Health that can help create culturally secure and inclusive decision-making for the betterment of those who are most disadvantaged and/or voiceless.

5. Tell us about inter-professional collaboration experiences you have had whilst studying at UWA?  (i.e. placements)

I haven’t been on any professional placements whilst studying at UWA, however I have been involved briefly with Karen Martin’s Trauma Informed Schools Project which I have great interest and passion for.

6. What if any extracurricular activities do you participate in whilst studying (clubs or groups on campus?) Tell me about them?

Over the course of my time at UWA both as an Undergraduate and now a Postgraduate student, I’ve been involved with the Western Australian Student Aboriginal Corporation which is the Indigenous Student Body on campus. They are affiliated with the School of Indigenous Studies. Both the group and centre have been pivotal for me to interact and engage with other Indigenous students study at UWA. Outside of the university grounds, I spend most my time bodybuilding in the gym or going for regular walks to keep my daily step count up!

7. What advice would you give another indigenous student who is considering postgraduate study in Master of Public Health Work but still isn’t sure?