For Neshika Munshi, completed her Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in record time is both a personal milestone and a steppingstone toward contributing meaningfully to society through research, teaching, and service.
Munshi who is currently a lecturer at a tertiary institution, is from Reservoir Hills, Durban and says that beyond her research she is passionate about teaching, mentorship, and envisions a career in academia where she can contribute to knowledge creation while also nurturing the next generation of scholars. She further added that she prides herself in working with diligence and holding on steadfast in her pursuit of excellence.
She gives a snapshot of her academic journey at DUT which began in 2014 when she had enrolled for the National Diploma in Child and Youth Care within the Faculty of Health Sciences-Community Health Studies. In 2016, she pursued the Bachelor of Honours in Child and Youth Care, followed by the Master’s Degree in Health Sciences in 2019. With each qualification, Munshi was honoured to graduate Cum Laude and receive the Dean’s Merit Award for Academic Excellence. She will now be receiving her Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the 2025 DUT Spring Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
“I am truly overjoyed, deeply thankful, and admittedly a little in disbelief that my academic journey, which began in 2014, has now reached this incredible milestone. Pursuing a PhD is a journey of resilience, discipline, and sacrifice, and completing it within the four-year time frame was no easy task. I worked diligently and with determination to finish in record time and standing on the verge of graduation feels both humbling and rewarding,” she expressed.
Munshi elaborated that this achievement was not hers alone. She owes immense gratitude to her supervisor, Professor Raisuyah Bhagwan, and her co-supervisor, Dr Moeti Kgware, whose guidance, mentorship, and unwavering belief in her abilities have been instrumental in her success.
“Their support not only sharpened my academic skills but also nurtured my growth as a researcher and scholar.Equally, I am profoundly thankful to my family, my father, Deepak Munshi, my fiancé, Priyen Lutchmiah, my sisters, Urisha Chetty and Isheksha Lala, along with their spouses for their unconditional love, encouragement, and constant motivation. Their sacrifices and unwavering support have been my anchor throughout this journey,” she said euphorically.
For Munshi, this moment is not just the closing of one chapter, but the opening of another, as she looks forward to contributing meaningfully to academia, research, and society.
She relayed that this journey has been one of growth, filled with opportunities, networking, character building, and overcoming challenges. While it demanded many sacrifices, she would not change the experience, as both the highs and lows have shaped her and contributed significantly to her personal and professional development.
Munshi shared on the PhD dissertation titled: Childhood Cancer Within A family and medical context in eThekwini: strengthening psychosocial and spiritual interventions to enable coping and healing.
“This study aimed to explore the multifaceted effects of childhood cancer on paediatric patients and their families and the support systems and interventions available to them in a medical context. The study sought to gather insights into how paediatric cancer not only impacted children but the family system. For families caught up in a system fraught with health disparities and lack of access to care, the diagnosis of paediatric cancer was found to be overwhelming and painful for all. Whilst research was found to prioritise clinical interventions, the study found an acute need for doctors, oncologists, nurses to be more empathic and compassionate towards the family.,” she shared.
She emphasised that the study uncovered the need for greater psychosocial support through reconstructing the medical environment to create opportunities that focus enable healing, particularly in disadvantaged contextualized communities and where families are enduring hardship due to social and health disparities. Munshi indicated that this was critical for patients dealing with painful and invasive procedures. “Thus, by expanding on mental health interventions and support in clinical care and treatment in health settings is paramount to enable coping and healing,” she said.
Looking back, these challenges, played a role in shaping her perseverance and equipping her with skills that extend beyond academia into professional and personal life.
Munshi shared that her doctoral study on childhood cancer has been both a personal passion and an academic pursuit. “Conducting research has revealed what children and families encounter because of paediatric cancer and research on paediatric cancer is limited especially in the context of eThekwini. This choice was not only about pursuing a qualification, but also about living out a purpose, to contribute to knowledge, advocate for vulnerable groups, and influence change in both policy and practice.,” she shared.
Her primary career aim is to become a lecturer in the field of Child and Youth Development, where she can share her knowledge, mentor future practitioners, and inspire students to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
In addition to teaching, she is equally passionate about research. “I aspire to continue developing and expanding my research on children and families and well-being. Through this, I hope to contribute to new knowledge, influence policy and practice, and build international collaborations that strengthen holistic care in medical and community contexts. Ultimately, my goal is to establish a career in academia that balances both teaching and research,” she said.
Her offer of advice to a first-year student embarking on this career is to go for it!
“One of the most valuable lessons I learned is the importance of open communication with lecturers and supervisors never be afraid to ask questions, seek guidance, or share your struggles. If you love what you do and remain consistent, this career path will not only shape you professionally but also enrich you personally in ways you never imagined.”
Pictured: Neshika Munshi
Waheeda Peters
