Emi Michael

About me

Emi is a PhD researcher at the University of Exeter Medical School, where her research explores intergenerational trauma among Black populations and its influence on maternal and child health and wellbeing in the UK. Her research seeks to better understand how historical, structural and lived experiences of trauma shape health outcomes across generations, with a particular focus on the role of racism, social inequalities and the wider determinants of health.

Her PhD adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a scoping review of existing evidence, secondary analysis of longitudinal cohort data, and qualitative interviews with Black mothers in the UK. Through this work, Emi aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of intergenerational trauma and inform culturally responsive approaches to maternal and child health policy and practice. Her research is supervised by Professor Felicity Thomas, Professor Katrina Wyatt and Professor Obioha Ukoumunne.

Alongside her doctoral research, Emi works at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Geneva. Her professional experience spans global health research, policy and practice, with a particular focus on health equity, health systems and the social determinants of health.

Prior to joining the Global Fund, Emi held roles across international organisations, government and consultancy, including positions at Economist Impact, the UK Department of Health and Social Care/Public Health England, the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Her work has focused on addressing health inequalities, strengthening health systems and translating research evidence into policy and practice.