Hi, I'm Tankiso A. Lefeta, a full-time Ph.D. candidate in Economics and a research assistant in the Department of Economics at Stellenbosch University, where I'm fortunate to be supervised by Professor Dieter Von Fintel (Main supervisor: Stellenbosch University), Professor Ronelle Burger (Co-supervisor: Stellenbosch University) and Professor Rebecca Garland (Co-supervisor: University of Pretoria).
  
My research investigates the effects of housing conditions, air pollution, and socioeconomic inequalities on growth metrics and birth outcomes. By elucidating these critical relationships, my objective is to provide evidence-based insights that inform health policies and interventions, ultimately aiming to enhance child health in developing countries. I possess expertise in environmental health, geospatial analysis, and advanced econometric techniques, specifically concerning the analysis of air pollution and housing impacts on child health and development. 

Throughout my doctoral studies, I have been involved in several impactful research projects. Notably, I contributed to the conceptual framework for the long-term project, Building Healthier Communities. This multidisciplinary initiative investigates the interplay between environmental variables and child stunting, with a particular emphasis on air pollution—one of the most pressing environmental determinants impacting health outcomes.

From 2021 to 2023, I served as an air quality data analyst within the Building Healthier Communities project, focusing on assessing the effects of household cooking and heating practices on air quality. My role involved training fieldworkers in low-income communities to effectively utilize low-cost air monitoring devices, conduct comprehensive household interviews, and gather pertinent data. This grassroots approach not only empowered local stakeholders but also ensured the collection of robust data that is crucial for our analyses.

My responsibilities extended beyond data collection; I analyzed air quality data and synthesized findings into accessible reports, which I presented at the conclusion of each project phase. These presentations served as a platform for disseminating our research insights and fostering dialogue among community members and stakeholders about the links between environmental health and child wellbeing.

I have additionally provided research assistance for Professor Ronelle Burger in two recently published articles:

My primary responsibilities involved performing comprehensive literature reviews for both articles. I have received recognition for my contributions as a research assistant in both articles.