Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself
A: I am an Iranian-American public health researcher with a background in quantitative research methods and, have extensive experience in applying these methods to topics in maternal health, safe abortion and tobacco control. Before joining the PhD program, I worked as a researcher at the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health on the research portfolio related to quality of care and respectful maternity care, including mistreatment of women during childbirth and safe abortion. Prior to WHO, I served as a Global Cancer Fellow and Program Analyst at the U.S National Cancer Institute's Center for Global Health where I conducted tobacco control research for cancer prevention, particularly focused on non-cigarette tobacco products (such as betel quid/areca nut and waterpipe smoking). In addition, I led the development of evidence-based tools to improve quality cancer treatment in cities for the City Cancer Challenge initiative.
I received my MPH in Global Health and BSc in Human Physiology with a minor in French Language and Literature from Boston University.
Q: Why did you decide to attend the UW for graduate school?
A: I decided to attend UW as it’s currently the world’s leading institution providing training on the new field of implementation science. Given UW’s unique knowledge generation around implementation science (IS) methodology including IS theories/models, primary data collection/field research, testing interventions, and evaluating impact of programs to help inform global health practice, it was the perfect match. The program was also an ideal transition for me to advance my methodological skillset, particularly in quantitative methods, and original research inquiry to build my implementation science toolbox.
Q: What are your research interests?
A: I seek to generate evidence around measuring user’s experience, improving user’s expectations of healthcare quality and, testing interventions to improve user’s experience within global health systems. I am specifically interested in how user’s interface with the health system throughout the life course and how health systems can be better optimized to improve experience of care
Q: What are you enjoying most about your graduate program?
A: Despite starting remotely, enjoying the openness of faculty and current students to meet with incoming students to provide guidance on the transition back to school. Furthermore, I am enjoying the unique collegiality across the School of Public Health and Centers to advance the global health research agenda. Lastly, while our current “virtual” world remains to limit us from human interaction, I have really appreciated getting to know my incoming IS/Metrics cohort through our Zoom study group sessions and, consistent WhatsApp jokes.