I'm a Research Fellow in infectious disease epidemiology. I spend my time developing mathematical models of disease spread, looking at how different health interventions such as vaccines can protect people and developing new strategies for improving the health of people in low-income settings.
The first person to really inspire me was my father. He instilled in me a belief that we have a duty of care to others. Both parents raised me to be independent, free-thinking and adventurous. I'm surrounded by inspiring people now, from the scientists around me every day to the public figures speaking out against injustices and inequality.
I'm really proud of my career so far. I've worked on polio eradication in Nigeria, health systems research in Malawi, HIV in Brazil and now I am part of the Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team.
The last year has been challenging juggling lockdown schooling and work. I love exercising for stress relief, but now I workout with a five-year old clinging onto my back shouting encouragement!
Read more about Dr Tara Mangal's work here.