Dyna Khuon
Dyna Khuon
University of Health Sciences
Cambodia
Dyna Khuon obtained her Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2021, as a D43 trainee in the UCLA/Cambodia HIV/AIDS Training Program in Data Management & Analysis. She graduated as a pharmacist from the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and has a master’s degree in nutrition from the country’s National Institute of Public Health. Her research interests include HIV, sexually transmitted infections, mental health, mother and child nutrition, and non-communicable diseases. Under the FIMP, her research has focused on the following topics: “BMI as a predictor of high fasting blood glucose among people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific region’ and ‘Incidence and risk factors of hypertension and high total cholesterol among people living with HIV in the Asia Pacific region: the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD).” After completing her Ph.D., she returned to the University of Health Sciences as a public health professional, and conducts local research with a focus on HIV, comorbidities, and mental health outcomes among aging populations.
How do you aim to help people living with or at risk for HIV with your research?
I hope the findings of my research will be considered by decision makers and used to revise national guidelines or policies in order to improve the care of people living with HIV (PLWH). For instance, I am conducting a research study to understand factors predictive of mortality among Cambodian PLWH after initiating ART during the “test and treat” era. The findings could be used to improve care management of PLWH in Cambodia.
How has the FIMP training helped you in your work?
Data management and analysis skills help me in implementing my own research. My mentors did not only support me technically, but also administratively and emotionally. I have learned about teamwork, how to properly respond to emails as well as how to properly address reviewers’ comments. These help me work smoothly with people from various backgrounds.
Additional thoughts
The FIMP program not only guided me on how to write a concept note, manage and analyze big data, and write and publish a manuscript, but it also contributed to the fulfillment of my Ph.D. degree and for that I am really indebted to the program.
Beyond my expectations, the training taught me communication skills and how to work as a team, specifically during the hardships of the pandemic era.
I highly value my mentoring relationships because they helped me surpass my limits and maximize my potential.