Farjana I Aovi is a PhD candidate at the Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, specialising in population health and epidemiology. She has an academic background in Pharmacy and Public Health and prior experience as a university lecturer and researcher, with expertise in medication safety, maternal health, and child development.

Her doctoral research examines the impact of prenatal drug exposures on neurodevelopmental outcomes, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and educational performance among children and adolescents in New South Wales, using large-scale linked health and education datasets. Her work aims to generate evidence that informs clinical practice, education planning, and public health policy.

As a female researcher, Farjana has received international recognition through two competitive research fellowships in the United States and the Franklin Women Carer’s Scholarship 2025. Her research interests include early-life determinants of health, health equity, and improving outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse and vulnerable populations. Through her research, she aims to support safer pregnancy care, early intervention, and more equitable child health and educational outcomes

Many children experience learning, behavioural, or developmental difficulties, such as attention problems or delayed learning. Research suggests that a child’s health and development can be influenced by factors that occur before birth, including a mother’s health and the medicines or substances she may use during pregnancy. However, there is limited clear evidence on how these early-life factors affect children as they grow and perform at school.

This project aims to understand better how exposure to certain medications and substances before birth may influence children’s development, behaviour, and school outcomes. The study will use securely linked health and education records from New South Wales, which follow large numbers of children from birth through childhood. By analysing these existing records, the research can identify patterns and associations without contacting families or collecting new personal information.

The findings from this project will help identify groups of children who may benefit from earlier support and monitoring. They may also assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions about medication use during pregnancy and support educators in understanding the needs of affected children.

Ultimately, this research aims to provide evidence that supports safer pregnancy care, improves early intervention strategies, and helps policymakers develop services that promote healthier developmental and educational outcomes for children, particularly those from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Supervisors: Dr Andrew Page and Dr Sadia Hossain