Currently a Senior Research Fellow at ARK Foundation, Dr. Barua is a skilled researcher with papers published in high-impact factor journals. A medical graduate with post-graduation in Public Health, Deepa, has led several research projects. A mixed methods researcher, Dr. Barua has conducted drug trials, systematic reviews, process evaluations, and implementation studies. Previously, she has been a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of York, UK, a faculty member of a renowned university, and has also been selected for the USAID Fellowship programme in Bangladesh. A consistently ardent learner, Deepa has attended numerous training sessions both in Bangladesh and abroad. Moreover, an experienced orator, she has presented at several national and international conferences.

Her works have often been with marginalized communities such as the third gender, urban slum dwellers, patients with severe mental illnesses, and communicable diseases such as TB, and residents from hard to reach areas. Dr. Barua has worked extensively in collaboration with the MoHFW through DGHS and DGME and the MoLGRD&C through the City Corporation. Furthermore, she has coordinated with development partners such as the WHO, USAID, UNICEF, and several renowned international and national NGOs and academic institutions.

Dr. Barua's field of experience predominantly has been towards strengthening Bangladesh’s overall health system by working on developing interventions prioritizing mental health, and reducing NCD risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. She has also specifically worked towards strengthening the urban primary health care system of Bangladesh through interventions targetted towards improving management and recording of NCDs such as CVD and hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus.

An experienced public health researcher Dr. Barua is dedicated profoundly in contributing towards building an equitable health system during her tenure.