CFD Team Spotlight: Helen Lindsay, Research Associate
The Newsletter Team sat down for an interview with one of our research associates, Helen Lindsay, for an interview about her work, passions, hobbies, and special CFD projects. The transcript of our interview is below.
CFD Team: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Minnesota, and I moved to Boston for college. I completed my BS in mechanical engineering at Boston University and recently earned a Master’s in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
CFD Team: What is your role within the Center?
I’m currently a Research Fellow at CFD, focusing on health and technology-related projects.
CFD Team: What experiences most directly led you to your role with the Center?
This is a tough one because my path here has been shaped by many smaller moments and experiences that each deepened my interest in this work. Some that stand out include my Kilachand Honors College courses at Boston University, particularly Professor Zaman’s class, which sparked my initial interest in global health. Attending the pHERS (Program forHumanitarian Engineering and Refugee Studies – a precursor of CFD) Winter School at the American University of Beirut was also a defining experience for me. I’m also motivated by the immigrant community members I met in Minnesota, particularly some colleagues from my part-time job in highschool. Finally, my work with the Humanitarian Health Initiative at UNC solidified my desire to work in this field post-graduation.
CFD Team: What inspires you about this work?
The people, without a doubt. In my experience, everyone I’ve met in this field cares deeply about what they’re doing. Beyond the inspiring team here at CFD, I think of people like the NGO staff member in Lebanon who tirelessly works to prevent early marriages and community organizers in North Carolina who advocate for high-quality language interpretation services for resettled refugees attending medical appointments. Seeing their passion, and that of the CFD team motivates me every day.
CFD Team: Tell us about some of your passions and hobbies outside of academia. What makes you, you?
I really enjoy spending time outdoors! I’m always up for a good hike, bike ride, or even just a long walk. During grad school, I took up roller skating, which has been a fun way to explore my surroundings and stay active. I also love reading, even though my “to be read” list grows faster than I can keep up with!
CFD Team: Where do you see yourself in five years?
This is another hard question! Five years ago, when I was working in an engineering role in medical devices, I don’t know that I would have expected to be here, but I am so glad that I am. That hiatus from this type of work did show me how much I care about this work. So in five years, I hope to still be in this field, deepening our understanding of forced displacement through research and working to improve health outcomes for displaced populations.
CFD Team: What is your current passion project with the Center you would like to highlight? Why does this project resonate with you?
One project I’m involved in currently that I really care about is assessing the role of digital health and AI technologies in conflict and displacement settings.This project lets me draw on my engineering background alongside a global health lens, which feels like a perfect fit. The topic of digital technologies is also important right now. I think innovative technology solutions can be transformative, but they need to be implemented in an ethical and sustainable manner so I’m glad to be contributing to work that centers this goal.
CFD Team: What drew you to this position, and what continues to draw you to this position?
Beyond my passion for the topics CFD focuses on, I was drawn to CFD because of its strong commitment to interdisciplinary research. This is an environment where I can bring together my engineering and global health training.
The team’s dedication and the Center’s mission keep me motivated every day. It’s inspiring to work with colleagues who care so deeply about this field and to be part of the important projects CFD is working on.
CFD Team: Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself/can you tell us about something you’re proud of?
When I spent a summer in Lebanon for a research role, I had the chance to learn some wonderful recipes from friends there. Now, I make hummus or tabbouleh at least once a week—it’s a way of bringing a bit of that experience back with me!