Mashaal Hooda is a Research Specialist at the Brain and Mind Institute, merging education and mental health research to create impactful community solutions. With a strong academic foundation in educational leadership and a commitment to serving underserved populations, her journey has been shaped by a passion for understanding cultural contexts and fostering resilience. In this Q&A, Mashaal shares insights on her innovative projects in Pakistan, the importance of co-creation in research, and the personal values that drive her work. She also reflects on how balancing professional and personal interests fuels her commitment to mental health advocacy.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at BMI?
I have a background in education, with a master’s degree in educational leadership and management, and a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Studies from Middlesex University. My research, which looks at how kids take manageable risks and how we can combine space, technology, and teaching in higher education, has shaped my career.
Right now, I’m a Research Specialist at the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI), focusing on mental health and cervical cancer research alongside the Aga Khan University and other partners. I also work with the BMI Living Labs team in Pakistan, where we’re addressing brain and mental health needs through research that fits the cultural context. My role involves designing and leading projects that make a real difference to the communities we serve.
2. What makes your approach to work unique, and how has it contributed to your success?
My drive to serve communities comes from a long-standing family tradition of giving back to these regions, which has been passed down through generations. This connection motivates me deeply.
Working with a diverse team of experts in Pakistan and East Africa has helped me understand the real-world challenges people face, especially in places with limited resources. I’ve worked in areas like adolescent health, mental health, and neuropsychology, and this variety has shown me the power of research that’s culturally relevant. By being curious and passionate about finding practical solutions, I’ve been able to approach challenges creatively and successfully.
3. What motivates you in your work, and how do you stay inspired despite challenges?
Resilience and gratitude are what keep me going. Working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) comes with its own set of challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I try to keep a purpose-driven mindset and stay flexible when obstacles arise.
A great team helps a lot too. I have a wonderful working relationship with everyone, from the core team to the field staff. Hearing about how our research is positively impacting communities reminds me why our work is so important and keeps me inspired.
4. How do you balance your work responsibilities and personal interests? Why is work-life balance important to you?
I’m a big believer in self-care and try to make time for myself through creative hobbies, like writing blogs about self-care. It’s my way of reminding myself to slow down and take care of my own well-being.
It can be tough to balance everything in such a fast-paced environment, but we find ways to make it work. For example, my team and I sometimes take walking meetings around the beautiful AKU campus to clear our heads. I also organize my workday so that mornings are for the heavier tasks, while afternoons are more collaborative.
On weekends, I volunteer as an Early Childhood Facilitator, which gives me a refreshing change of pace and helps me recharge.
5. How has the co-creation approach impacted community engagement and the success of your projects?
Co-creation is a key part of what we do. Instead of relying on one-size-fits-all research methods, we make sure to adapt our approaches to fit the cultural needs of the communities we’re working with.
For example, in our Living Lab, we start by understanding what local people care about and need. By aligning our research with their values, we’ve seen better engagement from participants, gathered higher-quality data, and, most importantly, ensured that our findings are relevant and useful for the people we want to help.
