Alvin Kuo Jing Teo

Visiting Research Fellow

Before joining the PhD programme at SSHSPH, I had worked across diverse settings, from hospital pharmacy practice in Malaysia to humanitarian missions with Médecins Sans Frontières and public health research. My MPH and a short research stint at SSHSPH made me realise the impact of research in improving practice, policies, and health outcomes. I have always been interested in infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis (TB), as it reflects deep-rooted inequities at every level of society. To advance my skillsets and pursue a research career, I joined the PhD programme at SSHSPH for its strong regional focus, interdisciplinary faculty, and supportive environment for impactful public health work.

During my PhD at SSHSPH, I investigated the epidemiology and social determinants of delayed tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment in Cambodia. I led projects related to my PhD and beyond, managed multi-country collaborations, and co-designed community-based interventions with local, regional, and global stakeholders. This experience taught me how to combine epidemiology, implementation science, and stakeholder engagement to tackle real-world health challenges. I also developed skills in research leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, and translating evidence into policy and practice.

My PhD contributed to improving TB case detection and care pathways in Cambodia, influencing national strategies and WHO regional guidance. The networks I built during this time laid the foundation for my current role in Australia, where I continue to lead TB research and implementation projects across the Asia-Pacific. I’m now a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, working on TB clinical trials, epidemiology, implementation science, and health systems research.