Testimonial MD Abdullah All Shakil

Born and raised in a middle class of Bangladesh Abdullah All Shakil holds a Bachelor in Anthropology from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh and is currently studying Masters in Anthropology and Sociology at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. He has worked with EcoHealth Allaince, New York in Bangladesh for 2 years as Research Officer. Since his undergraduate years he has been involved in environmental movement with Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI) and served as the Director of Programs. He is also the Co-founder of  Hong-Kong based social enterprise Development Innovation Insider. Working with people and environment has always been in his blood, as he has shared his journey towards his dream.

Why did you choose to apply to the Graduate Institute?

I have always been keen to integrate insights from theories to solve practical problems. My decision to study Masters in Anthropology and Sociology at the Graduate Institutes reflects that interest as this is one of the very few institution of the world where learning is done juxtaposing theories and practices. Learning environment at IHEID is unique because of the diversity of the students and strategic location of the institute. Scopes for research and academic excellence are enormous at the institute as faculty is also simply so great and supportive. I just found the perfect cherished lead way of fulfilling my dream through this opportunity and I am more in love with the institute after experiencing its homely learning environment. 

How did this scholarship make a difference for you?

My selection by the Institute for the Alumni Community scholarship actually scopes me to set my feet here. Without the support, I would not have got to get myself here. This scholarship was the entrance towards the vast learning process along with versatile cultural and ethnic amalgamation, which cannot be better for any Anthropology and Sociology student.

What is the focus of your studies at the Institute; on which topic do you plan to write your master/PhD thesis?

Having experience in the field of environmental education and public health research. I am interested to conduct my Master’s thesis on epidemics and the conception of body in the biomedicine from medical anthropology perspective. In recent decades epidemics have become a burning issue because of climate change and humanitarian crisis. Western conception of medicine is struggling to access or treat human body due to cultural construction of the body. This research will focus on the conception of body between doctor and a patient in an epidemic condition. 

What are your plans for your professional career after your studies?

As I have always been interested to work on practical life problem solving, my career will be a combination of both academics and the field based work. After the Masters I want work with humanitarian aid organizations on health and emergency support. My goal is to develop understanding on the actual emergency situations and instrument the experience into Ph.D. idea. Eventually, in long run I want to pursue a career in academia and social entrepreneurship.