Beemnet Andualem Belete
Mastercard Foundation Scholar
MSc Global Health Science and Epidemiology, Wolfson College
Ethiopia
Beemnet Andualem Belete is an AfOx Scholar from Ethiopia and a Mastercard Foundation Scholar pursuing an MSc in Global Health Science and Epidemiology at the University of Oxford. She is based in the Nuffield Department of Population Health and is a member of Wolfson College.
Born and raised in Ethiopia, Beemnet’s academic journey began with a full scholarship to Lebawi Academy before earning another full scholarship to New York University Abu Dhabi, where she graduated summa cum laude with a double major in Biology and Computer Science. She was recognised as a University Honours Scholar and received the NYU Founders’ Day Award.
During her undergraduate studies, Beemnet explored the intersection of biology and computation through research in neuroscience and bioinformatics. She completed an internship at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Italy and represented her university in the international iGEM competition. Her capstone research investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying stress resilience and depression, developing her skills in analysing complex biological datasets, and she also contributed to publications on neuropsychiatric disorders.
After graduation, Beemnet worked with the Aga Khan Foundation in Kenya as a Fellow, where she strengthened her skills in statistical analysis and teaching. Her interest in global health is shaped by experiences in East Africa that showed her how gaps in health information can make communities, particularly mothers and newborns, invisible within healthcare systems. At Oxford, she hopes to develop stronger expertise in epidemiological methods and statistical modelling to contribute to maternal and neonatal health research across the region.
After completing her MSc, Beemnet plans to continue working in maternal health research before pursuing a PhD in epidemiology. In the long term, she hopes to develop approaches that help health systems identify risks earlier and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across East Africa.