Sahra Ibrahimi

Sahra Ibrahimi

Assistant Professor
Global Health
ibrahimis@denison.edu
740-587-6572
Position Type
Faculty
Service
- Present
Links
LinkedIn
@Sahra_Ibrahimi1 on X
Personal Website
View CV (PDF)
Pronouns
She / Her / Hers
Biography

Dr. Ibrahimi is a global health scholar with extensive experience in research, teaching, project management, grant and proposal writing, and project monitoring and evaluation. She has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications and received the People’s Choice Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for one of her research projects. In 2023, the University of Maryland honored her with a Women of Influence Award. She is also an inductee of the Gamma Zeta chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health.

Dr. Ibrahimi earned her PhD in maternal and child health from the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland (UMD) in College Park, where she also taught global and public health courses. Prior to completing her Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), she worked as a Technical Project Officer at Abt Associates on the Health Financing and Governance (HFG), a 5-year global project awarded by USAID and implemented in 40 countries. She graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, with a BA in economics and fulfillment of pre-med requirements in 2017. Fluent in Farsi/Dari, she is also committed to supporting the Farsi-speaking community through volunteer language services.

She values presence and compassion, and believes that there is an unimaginable love and beauty within each individual that can be accessed through self-awareness and authenticity, rather than identifying with social constructs. She also views humanity as one in essence, a perspective that drives her passion for serving others and finding fulfillment through meaningful work.

In addition to her professional commitments, Dr. Ibrahimi enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, playing pickleball, skiing, dancing, and writing.

Degree(s)
PhD in Maternal and Child Health from University of Maryland in College Park. Master of Public Health from Adelphi University. Bachelor of Art from Smith College in Northampton, MA.

Learning & Teaching

Courses
  • GH 100: Introduction to Global Health
  • GH 201: Research Methods in Global Health
  • GH 380: Global Maternal and Child Health
  • GH 350: Health Systems and Policy
  • GH 400: Global Health Capstone
Academic Positions
  • Assistant Professor at Denison University, August 2024 – present
  • Consultant at Abt Global, Rockville, MD, September 2024 – Jan 2025
  • Lecturer at the University of Maryland, College Park, August 2021 – May 2024
  • Technical Writer and Researcher at Abt Global, Rockville, MD, August 2023 – August 2024

For more, please refer to her C.V. above.

Research

Dr. Ibrahimi’s research & publications span a range of health topics, including reproductive and perinatal health, infectious and chronic diseases, health systems, social determinants of health, and the role of self-awareness in health and education.

Works

Publications

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS:

Eight of 25 articles are first authored. Total number of Citations: 304. The i10-index: 8.

  1. Ibrahimi, S., Kadiobo, L., Embeke, N., Diarra, H., Tshiswaka, G., Mukumena, E., & Brunner, B. (2025). Assessment of adherence to the National Malaria Guidelines in treatment management of malaria among children under five in integrated community case management in the DRC. Global Health Action, 18(1). doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2025.2545628.
  2. McConnell, K., Ibrahimi, S., Yumiseva, M., Shan, S., & Lewin, A. (2025). Impacts of El Camino on Latino Youth’s Sexual Health: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Health Education & Behavior.
  3. Ibrahimi, S., Yeo, S., Yusuf, K., Akrami, Z., & Roy, K. (2025, April). Factors Hindering Access and Utilization of Maternal Healthcare in Afghanistan Under the Taliban Regime: A Qualitative Study with Recommended Solutions. In Healthcare (Vol. 13, No. 9, p. 1006). MDPI.
  4. McConnell, K., Ibrahimi, S., Yumiseva, M., Shan, S., & Lewin, A. (2025). Short-Term Impacts of a School-Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program for Latino Youth: a Cluster Randomized Trial. Prevention Science, 1-11.
  5. Ibrahimi, S., & Thoma, M. E. (2024). The association between Afghan Women’s autonomy and experience of domestic violence, moderated by education status. Preventive medicine, 108039.
  6. Ibrahimi S, Youssouf B, Potts C, Dumouza A, Duff R, Malaba LS, Brunner B. United States Government-Supported Family Planning and Reproductive Health Outreach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Lessons Learned and Recommendations. Open Access Journal of Contraception. 2024 Dec 31:13-21.
  7. Bapura, J., Fataki, J., Ibrahimi, S., Hazerjian, J., Kabulepa, M. C. M., Williams, A., … & Brunner, B. (2024). Community-based distribution program’s response to increased contraceptive demand in the Democratic Republic of Congo during COVID-19. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 28(9), 122-134.
  8. Yeo, S., Kim-Hines, Y., Ehiri, J., Magrath, P., Johnson-Agbakwu, C., Ernst, K., Ibrahimi, S., & Alaofè, H. (2024). A qualitative study exploring the factors influencing maternal healthcare access and utilization among Muslim refugee women resettled in the United States. Plos one, 19(8), e0307192.
  9. Ibrahimi, S., & Steinberg, J. R. (2022). Spousal violence and contraceptive use among married Afghan women in a nationally representative sample. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(16), 9783.
  10. Dongarwar, D., Ibrahimi, S., & Salihu, H. M. (2022). A United States national reference for foetal growth for Asian American ethnicities. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 42(7), 2738-2745.
  11. Maiyegun, S., Yusuf, K. K., Dongarwar, D., Ibrahimi, S., Ikedionwu, C., & Salihu, H. (2022). COVID-19: How Can Doulas Support Pandemic Control? International Journal of Translational Medical Research and Public Health, 2(5), 72-75.
  12. Dongarwar, D., Maiyegun, S. O., Yusuf, K. K., Ibrahimi, S., Ikedionwu, C., & Salihu, H. M. (2022). Incidence and risk of stillbirth among various Asian-American subgroups. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 22, 1-6.
  13. Ibrahimi, S., Dongarwar, D., & Salihu, H. M. (2021). Trends in childhood viable pregnancy and risk of stillbirth in the United States. European Journal of Pediatrics, 17, 1-9.
  14. Maiyegun, S. O., Yusuf, K. K., Dongarwar, D., Ibrahimi, S., Ikedionwu, C., & Salihu, H. M. (2021). Risk of Stillbirth Among Foreign-Born Mothers in the United States. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 12, 1-9.
  15. Yusuf, K. K., Dongarwar, D., Maiyegun, S. O., Ikedionwu, C., Ibrahimi, S., & Salihu, H. M. (2021). Impact of Maternal Age on the Foreign-Born Paradox. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 11, 1-8.
  16. Ibrahimi, S., Alamdar Yazdi, A., Yusuf, K. K., & Salihu, H. M. (2021). Association of domestic physical violence with feto-infant outcomes in Afghanistan. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 33(2-3), 273-279.
  17. Ibrahimi, S., Yusuf, K. K., Dongarwar, D., Maiyegun, S. O., Ikedionwu, C., & Salihu, H. M. (2020). COVID-19 Devastation of African American Families: Impact on Mental Health and the Consequence of Systemic Racism. International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS, 9(3), 390.
  18. Yusuf, K. K., Dongarwar, D., Ibrahimi, S., Ikedionwu, C., Maiyegun, SO., & Salihu, H. M. (2020). Expected surge in maternal mortality and severe morbidity among African-Americans in the era of COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS, 9(3), 386.
  19. Dongarwar, D., Yusuf, K. K., Maiyegun, S. O., Ibrahimi, S., Ikedionwu, C., & Salihu, H. M. (2020). Covid-19 and neuro-behavioral economics: A conceptual framework to improve physical and mental health among remote workers. International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS, 9(3), 360.
  20. Ikedionwu, CA., Dongarwar, D., Yusuf, K. K., Ibrahimi, S., & Salihu, H. M. (2020). Pre-pregnancy maternal obesity, macrosomia, and risk of stillbirth: A population-based study. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 1(252), 1-6.
  21. Ikedionwu, CA., Dongarwar, D., Yusuf, K. K., Maiyegun, S. O., Ibrahimi, S., & Salihu, H. M. (2020). Using Nominal Group Technique to Elucidate a COVID-19 Research Agenda for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Populations. International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS, 9(3), 394.
  22. Salihu, H. M., Dongarwar, D., King, LM., Yusuf, K. K., Ibrahimi, S., & Salinas-Miranda, AA. (2020). Trends in the incidence of fetal macrosomia and its phenotypes in the United States, 1971–2017. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 301(2), 415-426.
  23. Salihu, H. M., Dongarwar, D., King, LM., Yusuf, K. K., Ibrahimi, S., & Salinas-Miranda, AA. (2020). Phenotypes of fetal macrosomia and risk of stillbirth among term deliveries over the previous four decades. Birth, 47(2), 202-210.
  24. Salihu, H. M., Salinas-Miranda, AA., King, LM., Dongarwar, D., Yusuf, K. K., Ibrahimi, S., Ikedionwu, CA., & Berry, EL. (2020). Racism, Psycho-Social Stress, and Health-related Quality of Life. International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS, 9(1), 73.
  25. Yeo, S., Kim-Hines, Y., Ehiri, J., Magrath, P., Johnson-Agbakwu, C., Ernst, K., … & Alaofè, H. (2024). A qualitative study exploring the factors influencing maternal healthcare access and utilization among Muslim refugee women resettled in the United States. PloS one, 19(8), e0307192.

SELECTED CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

  1. Ibrahimi, S., Kadiobo, L., Embeke, N., Diarra, H., Tshiswaka, G., Mukumena, E., & Brunner, B. (2025). Assessment of adherence to the National Malaria Guidelines in treatment management of malaria among children under five in integrated community case management in the DRC. 2025 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, Washington DC.
  2. Ibrahimi, S., Thoma, M.E. (2024). The association between Afghan women’s autonomy and experience of unintended pregnancy, moderated by domestic physical and sexual violence. 2024 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, Minneapolis, MN.
  3. Ibrahimi, S., Thoma, M.E. (2024). The association between Afghan women’s autonomy and experience of unintended pregnancy, moderated by domestic physical and sexual violence. 2024 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, Minneapolis, MN.
  4. Bui, K., and Ibrahimi, S. (2024). The association of place of residence and language proficiency with the experience of hematologic cancer relapse among patients undergoing immunotherapy. NIH All of Us Research Programs 2024 Researchers Convention. Virtual.
  5. Zelidon, J. and Ibrahimi, S. (2024). The Association between substance abuse and depression. NIH All of Us Research Program’s 2024 Researchers Convention. Virtual.
  6. Ibrahimi, S., Thoma, M.E. (2023). The association between Afghan women’s autonomy and experience of domestic violence, moderated by education status. 2023 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, Atlanta, GA.
  7. Ibrahimi, S., Yeo, S. Korede, Y. Akrami, Z. (2023). Factors hindering access and utilization of maternal healthcare in Afghanistan after Taliban’s control in 2021 and recommended solutions. 2023 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, Atlanta, GA.
  8. Ibrahimi, S., and Steinberg, J. R. (2022). Spousal Violence and Contraceptive Use among Married Afghan Women in a Nationally Representative Sample. 2022 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, Boston, MA.
  9. Anwer, A., Ibrahimi, S. (2023) Social Determinants of Health in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer’s Disease. NIH All of Us Research Program’s 2023 Researchers Convention. Virtual.
  10. McConnell K., Montenegro MY., Ibrahimi S., Shan S., Lewin AB. (2022). Early outcomes from an evaluation of a school-based teen pregnancy prevention program for Latino youth. 2022 SRA Conference.
  11. Ibrahimi S, Wright K, (2022). The association between exercise and mental health during the COVID-19 era and disparities by race. NIH All of Us Research Program’s 2022 Minority Student Research Symposium. Bethesda, MD.
  12. Ibrahimi, S., Steinberg, J. R. (2022). Spousal Violence and Contraceptive Use among Married Afghan Women in a Nationally Representative Sample. 2022 GRAD Annual Conference, the University of Maryland Graduate School, College Park, MD. (The recipient of one of the GRAD top 5 conference awards).
  13. McConnell K., Montenegro MY., Ibrahimi S., Shan S., Lewin AB. (2022). Early outcomes from an evaluation of a school-based teen pregnancy prevention program for Latino youth. 2022 SRA Conference.
  14. Ibrahimi, S., Steinberg, J. R. (2022). Spousal Violence and Contraceptive Use among Married Afghan Women in a Nationally Representative Sample. 2022 Research Interaction Day, the University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD. (Selected for recognition by the Delta Omega Gamma Zeta chapter).
  15. Ibrahimi S., Dongarwar D, Yusuf KK, Maiyegun SO, Salihu H.M (2020). Trends in childhood viable pregnancy and risk of stillbirth in the United States. 2021 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo.
  16. Ibrahimi S., McConnell K., Montenegro MY., (2021). Innovative strategies and lessons learned: Virtual recruitment, consent, and data collection during the first semester of an evaluation of a school-based teen pregnancy prevention program for Latino youth. 2021 APP Grantee Conference.
  17. Ibrahimi S., McConnell K., Montenegro MY., (2021). Innovative strategies and lessons learned: Virtual recruitment, consent, and data collection during the first semester of an evaluation of a school-based teen pregnancy prevention program for Latino youth. 2021 APHA’s Annual Meeting and Expo.
  18. Ibrahimi, S., Yusuf, K.K. & Yazdi, A.A., 2019. The Association between Domestic Violence during Pregnancy and Pregnancy Outcomes in Afghanistan. 2019 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo, Philadelphia, PA, 2019.
  19. Ibrahimi, S., Yusuf, K.K. & Yazdi, A.A., 2019. The Association between Domestic Violence during Pregnancy and Pregnancy Outcomes in Afghanistan. Adelphi 16th Research Conference Day, Garden City, NY, 2019.

Service

Professional Memberships
  • Gamma Zeta chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health
  • American Association of Public Health (APHA)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) All of Us
  • Omicron Delta Kappa, The National Leadership Honor Society
  • UMB Global Health Scholars
Professional Service (includes Denison Service)

Aug 2025 – Present: Denison University Council (UC) Member
Denison University, Granville

Dec 2024 – Present: Denison University Conduct Board Member
Denison University, Granville

Additional Service at Denison

  • Participated in the Global Health curriculum revision
  • Contributed to the Global Studies Seminar
  • Conducted a workshop on MLK Day

For more please refer to her C.V.

Community Service
  • Reviewer for the following journals:
    • Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
    • BMC Public Health
    • Scientific Reports
  • Abstract Reviewer for American Association of Public Health (APHA)
  • Session Moderator for APHA
  • Member of Global Health Core Committee
  • Member of Global Health Advisory Committee

Other

Grants & Funding
  • Denison University Research Fund (DURF)
    Total Award: $8,378.00
    Role: Principal investigator
    Funding period 04/01/2025 - 06/01/2026
     
  • University of Maryland, College Park
    Wylie Dissertation Grant
    Women’s Autonomy and Reproductive and Perinatal Health Outcomes in Afghanistan
    Total Award: $15,000
    Role: Principal investigator
    Funding period 08/28/2023 – 12/20/2023
     
  • University of Maryland, College Park
    Summer Graduate Research Fellowship
    Women’s Autonomy and Experience of Domestic Violence in Afghanistan
    Total Award: $5000
    Role: Principal investigator
    Funding period 05/20/2022 – 08/10/2022
     
  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
    Factors Hindering Access and Utilization of Maternal Healthcare among Afghan Women and Recommended Solutions
    Total Award: $1000
    Role: Principal investigator
    Funding period 02/28/2023 – 07/20/2023
Honors & Awards
  • 2024 Highest Abstract Award
    American Association of Public Health (APHA). Minneapolis, USA.
  • 2024 Three-minute Thesis global competition finalist.
    Universitas 21. University of Birmingham. West Midlands, UK
  • 2024 Three-minute Thesis U.S. Northeast regional competition finalist.
    Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools. USA
  • 2023 Three-minute Thesis University of Maryland competition winner ($1000)
    The Graduate School. University of Maryland, College Park
  • 2022- Dean’s Fellowship Award ($5000)
    The School of Public Health. University of Maryland, College Park
  • 2022- GRAD Prize for a Top 4 Oral Presentation ($200).
    The Graduate School. University of Maryland, College Park
  • 2022- Roberta Ma Scholarship ($1000)
    International Student Scholars. University of Maryland, College Park
  • 2022- Jacob K. Goldhaber Travel Award ($250)
    The Graduate School. The University of Maryland, College Park
  • 2021- Dean’s Fellowship Award ($5000)
    School of Public Health. University of Maryland, College Park
  • 2020- Trong D. Nguyen Memorial Award Finalist
    American Public Health Association (APHA)
  • 2019- Outstanding Graduate Student Award: To recognize the best research.
    Adelphi University, Garden City
  • 2019-Jaggar Community Fellowship: awarded to only 1% of graduate students.
    Adelphi University, Garden City
  • 2019- Conference Travel Award ($500).
    The Graduate Student Council (GSC). Adelphi University, Garden City
  • 2018-Graduate International Recognition Scholarship: awarded to high achieving students.
    Adelphi University, Garden City
  • 2017-Latin Honors
    Smith College, Northampton
  • 2013-The Emily Cluett Prize for Courage and Fortitude
    The Ethel Walker High School, Simsbury
  • 2010-2013-Merit Scholarship: Awarded to outstanding students.
    The Ethel Walker High School, Simsbury
Student Collaborations

STUDENT RESEARCH AND PRESENTATION ADVISED

  1. Audrey, L., Laber, G., Alemayehu, B., Zokhidova, G., Dahal, A., Ibrahimi, S., Factors Associated with Healthcare Access and Utilization among Refugee Women in Ohio under the Current Administration. Global Health: Science and Practice. [Under Review].
  2. Assefa, H., Ibrahimi, S., Living with Endometriosis: Knowledge Gaps, Limited Access to Care, and Coping Strategies among Rural Women of Kenya. In progress.
  3. Zokhidova, G., Alemayehu, B., Laber, G., Audrey, L., Ibrahimi, S., Maternal Healthcare Access and Utilization among Refugees in Ohio under the Current Administration. Global Health Action. [In progress].
  4. Anwer, A., and Ibrahimi, S. (2023) Social Determinants of Health in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer’s Disease. NIH All of Us Research Program’s 2023 Researchers Convention. Virtual.
  5. MacKenzie, L,. Ibrahimi, S. (2023) Social Determinants of Health Influence on Incidence of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears. NIH All of Us Research Program’s 2023 Researchers Convention. Virtual.
  6. Ibrahimi S, Yeo S, Korede Y, Akrami Z. Factors hindering access and utilization of maternal healthcare in Afghanistan after Taliban’s control in 2021 and recommended solutions. Global Health: Science and Practice [Under Review].
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