Hometown: Hidaj, Iran
Undergraduate Major/Minor: Architecture
Program at Brown: MPH
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2021
Three things you have with you at all times: Phone, credit card, a mug filled with hot tea
Hobbies/Activities: Walking, cooking, hanging out with friends, video chatting with family, and traveling
What first made you interested in studying Public Health?
While studying architecture in undergraduate and graduate school, I grew interested in the influence of the built environment on human behavior—on lifestyle, health, and well-being. As I went deeper into understanding of the importance and complexity of these concepts, I realized cross-sector collaboration is needed to tackle the social and health challenges across the built environment. I decided to pursue a master’s of public health and specialize in urban design because this interdisciplinary field encompassed all my concerns and concentrated my interests into a single program.
What were you doing before you came to the Brown School?
On the academic side, I was finishing a master’s of Architecture and exploring research opportunities to take me around the world to find the career path that best fit with my passion for creating equitable, healthy, and livable cities. I was surprised to learn how well the MPH program at the Brown School would prepare me to fulfill my vision of the urban future. Outside academics, I was starting my new life with my husband, practicing cooking, and traveling across the country!
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I grew up in a small town sandwiched between two mountain chains and surrounded by lots of farms and gardens within walking distance. I dream of having my own farm and starting a local farm-to-table restaurant, besides pursuing public health and urban design.