The Global Centre on Healthcare and Urbanisation (GCHU) at Kellogg College, University of Oxford, is delighted to welcome three distinguished researchers as part of our inaugural GCHU Visiting Global Research Associate Programme.
Their collective expertise spans urban design, public health, population science, and the socio-political dimensions of urbanisation – all vital to advancing evidence-based approaches to the challenges faced by modern cities. Each of these researchers bring invaluable expertise, expanding the GCHU’s global network and enriching our ongoing work at the intersection of healthcare, urbanisation, and public policy.
Meet the Visiting Global Research Associates:
Dr Liu Huiming (Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau)
Dr Liu is an expert in urban design, environmental psychology, and public health, focusing on how built environments impact mental well-being across different spatial scales. His research explores themes such as sensory experiences in urban spaces, mental health among students and older adults, and the impact of walking environments on sustainable tourism.
Dr Mawuli Kushitor (University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana)
Dr Kushitor is a population scientist specialising in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in African urban settings, and investigates the complex relationship between built environments and cardiovascular disease risks among the urban poor. His work has contributed to community-level interventions for hypertension and diabetes in Accra, using innovative methods such as GIS and social network analysis. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of African urban health scholars, he has supervised over 60 students and continues to shape urban health research in Africa.
Dr Tashanna Walker (University of Pennsylvania, USA)
Dr Walker’s research delves into the intersections of militarisation, redevelopment, and state power, with a focus on marginalised communities. Her work has informed national legislative reforms in Jamaica and contributed to broader discussions on security policy. Holding multiple academic and consultancy roles, she has worked with organisations such as USAID, PAHO, and UNESCO. Her dedication to public engagement and policy impact has made her a key figure in bridging the gap between academia and social justice initiatives.
We are delighted to have Drs Liu, Kushitor, and Walker join us at the GCHU and Kellogg. Their diverse expertise and innovative research will strengthen our efforts to explore the intricate relationship between healthcare and urbanisation. These partnerships reflect our commitment to global collaboration and impactful research.
Dr David Howard, Co-Director of the GCHU
We look forward to their contributions as they collaborate with our team and contribute to GCHU’s research and outreach efforts. Stay tuned for updates on their projects, events, and insights!
Read their full profiles and find out about our other Research Associates