Background:

Shajeela Shawkat is a PhD candidate in Medical Anthropology at Leiden University, Netherlands. Her research explores life after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), focusing on care, personhood, intimacy, and the ways people build meaningful futures following profound bodily change.

Living with Syringomyelia has shaped both her life and her work. Alongside her academic research, she is committed to making knowledge more accessible through creative forms, including graphic novels based on her research and other public engagement projects. Through research, writing, and creative work, she aims to create spaces where people can share experiences, access practical resources, and feel less alone in navigating complex and often poorly understood conditions.

Shajeela is excited to join the I AM HEARD Coalition because of its commitment to advancing research while centering the lived experiences of patients. Through her interactions with James and Megan, she has been struck by the care, generosity, and dedication they bring to supporting the community. She hopes to contribute to a space where people can find trusted information, support, and a sense of connection when they need it most.