Tam is a DPhil student working on traditional authority in Malawi. Her research examines how structural changes have affected the relationship between chiefs, the state and subject-citizens, with a particular interest in whether chiefs act in the common interest of their subjects. Tam has an interdisciplinary background with degrees in history, politics and international relations. Before joining IDS, she spent 5 years as a researcher and policy advisor at the Overseas Development Institute working on politics, governance and aid.