iCREATE
Increasing Capacity for Injury Research in Eastern Europe
Contact
Dr. Diana Dulf
diana.dulf@ubbcluj.ro
Pandurilor 7 Street, 9th Floor, Room 910, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
HELLO, MY NAME IS
Advancing PhD studies
Kelly Kulikova, MPH, PHD (c) – public health specialist with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s in Public Health. I began my journey in public health in 2018, focusing on gender-based violence in Armenia for my MPH thesis. Since 2020, I have been working as a professor’s assistant at the Department of Public Health and Health Care Organization at YSMU, contributing to academic activities and research projects. Additionally, I have been a specialist in “ICREATE” project creation since 2019, developing and implementing innovative public health initiatives. My expertise in research, education, and project management underscores my commitment to advancing public health and improving community health outcomes.
My PhD studies focus on gender-based and domestic violence in the capital city of Yerevan and rural areas. The research aims to understand the prevalence, causes, and impacts of such violence in different settings and to develop strategies for prevention and intervention.
The iCREATE project significantly influenced my academic journey and the advancement of my PhD studies in several key ways. Through this project, I enhanced my research skills, collaboration opportunities, and professional development. The iCREATE project provided hands-on experience in various research techniques and methodologies, refining my approach for my PhD studies on gender-based and domestic violence. It also opened numerous collaboration opportunities with experts and peers, enriching my research with diverse perspectives. This network has been invaluable for my ongoing and future research endeavors. Additionally, the project contributed to my professional development by exposing me to project management, grant writing, and interdisciplinary communication. These experiences helped me develop crucial skills for a successful academic career, such as leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. Moreover, studying for a semester at Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and later as a postgraduate online student for a semester at the University of Iowa, allowed me to exchange knowledge, gain new perspectives, and broaden my academic horizons. These international experiences further enhanced my research capabilities and professional growth.
Overall, the combination of the iCREATE project and my international academic experiences has played a pivotal role in advancing my PhD studies, providing a solid foundation of research skills, fostering valuable collaborations, and enhancing my overall professional development.
As part of advancing my PhD studies through the iCREATE project, I have actively engaged in various outreach and dissemination activities. I participated in significant international conferences, such as EU Safety 2023 in Iceland and SAVIR 2024 in Chapel Hill, USA, where I had the opportunity to present my research, engage with experts, and receive valuable feedback. Additionally, I have been involved in local conferences, both on-site and online, which allowed me to share my work with regional audiences and connect with local researchers. I also took part in iCREATE project conferences focused on violence and injury prevention. The skills and knowledge gained from these conferences are particularly relevant to my research on violence prevention in Armenia. They have equipped me to better understand cause-effect relationships, identify patterns, and drive meaningful changes in the field of violence prevention. These diverse dissemination opportunities have been crucial in refining my research approach, expanding my professional network, and advancing my PhD studies.
Increasing Capacity for Injury Research in Eastern Europe
Dr. Diana Dulf
diana.dulf@ubbcluj.ro
Pandurilor 7 Street, 9th Floor, Room 910, Cluj-Napoca, Romania