Faith Kanjira is a Regulatory Assistant during her summer break. She began her journey at UNC in Malawi in 2017 and was later promoted to Regulatory Officer. Her calling is deeply personal to her and has inspired her to do what she does today. The best advice she’s ever been given is “you can do anything,” and “Let your purpose be bigger than your pain.” In her free time, Faith enjoys cooking, dancing, and traveling.
What are you doing in regulatory affairs, and why is it important?
Currently, I’m working as a Regulatory Assistant during my summer break. I support the regulatory team by completing personnel documents, managing both physical files and Veeva Vault, QCing signed informed consents, and preparing essential regulatory documents. This work is important because documenting and recording regulatory activities allows us to continuously review and improve research practices. It helps ensure that we uphold the highest standards of ethics, safety, and scientific integrity in every study.
How did you arrive at UNC?
My journey began in Malawi in April 2017, when I started working with the UNC Project-Malawi as a Data Associate. A year into the role, I was promoted to the regulatory office as a Regulatory Officer. This marked the beginning of what has become an exciting and deeply meaningful career for me. I was responsible for reviewing and submitting IRB-related documents to local regulatory bodies, including initial protocol submissions, amendments, SAEs, and other essential filings. What excited me the most was engaging with clinical monitors during site visits. I admired their professionalism and how their feedback pushed me to do better. I genuinely enjoyed regulatory work because it gave me a strong sense of purpose.
Why is what you do important?
This calling is deeply personal. Years earlier, I lost my mother due to a preventable case of medical negligence; she was given a drug she had a known allergy to. That experience shaped my desire to prevent others from enduring the same harm. While I initially thought working in a hospital would be the only way to make a difference, joining the regulatory office opened my eyes to how bioethics and oversight in research can also protect lives.
After four years in the regulatory role, I pursued a master’s degree in Bioethics at Harvard in 2023 to deepen my knowledge of ethical best practices and participant safety in research. Following graduation, I joined UNC-Chapel Hill in July 2023 as a Regulatory Coordinator. In August 2024, I transitioned into the Public Policy PhD program, where I now focus on bioethics, health policy, and human rights. I’m grateful to be back this summer supporting regulatory activities, returning to where this meaningful journey first began.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given was, “You can do anything!” It came from my former boss, Wiza Kumwenda. At the time, I don’t think I fully understood what he meant, but those words have stayed with me. They’ve pushed me through every challenge and reminded me to believe in myself, especially in moments when I doubted my path or capabilities.
The second came later, during a difficult season in my life: “Let your purpose be bigger than your pain.” That advice reshaped how I view hardship. It reminded me that even the most painful experiences can be transformed into something meaningful. Together, these two pieces of wisdom continue to guide me with confidence and purpose.
What are you learning?
Right now, I’m learning the importance of thorough documentation in research and how technology can enhance regulatory activities. For example, I’ve been working with Veeva Vault, which streamlines filing, supports collecting and tracking signatures, and makes it easier to accommodate remote monitoring visits. It’s been eye-opening to see how digital tools can improve efficiency while maintaining compliance and transparency in research oversight.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love dancing, cooking, and traveling. Dancing helps me unwind and feel free, cooking allows me to get creative especially with Malawian dishes and traveling gives me the chance to experience new cultures and perspectives.