Benita is a Master of Science student in the Department of Global Health and Population. Her passion is to improve social determinants of health globally, focusing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Subsaharan Africa. Benita’s background in International Agriculture and Development Sociology informed her interest in using qualitative research to address socio-economic challenges that underprivileged communities face.
Benita’s project focuses on evaluating the effects of artisanal mining on cobalt miners’ health in Kolwezi, Katanga, where up to 60% of the global supply of Cobalt is sourced. Through this project, Benita aims to add to the body of work needed to inform policymaking and build programs to improve the quality of life of Cobalt artisanal miners.