I started my program about 18 months ago, and I can describe it as a journey that has so far been both interesting and rewarding. Mentored by a team of academics that are well recognised in their fields both in Tanzania and Glasgow is a rare opportunity. My PhD focuses on anthrax in an endemic setting in northern Tanzania. I headed to the field for the second time in June 2016, to start data collection and the reception from the communities I was to work with was incredible.