Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way. I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we’re talking with Araba Assan about the secrets to not just effective, but joyful public health research and evaluation.  This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!   Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:45 Araba Assan’s journey into public health.  6:49 The importance of following your passion and following your interest.  10:05 You are not the expert when you go into community settings.  12:39 The difference between research and evaluation.  17:40 The importance of evaluation 20:00 How Araba got into public health research 25:11 Asking for help and mentorship 31:00 What brings you joy in your work?