Research broadens our horizons by offering new possibilities for how to approach women's health and trauma-informed care, fostering community support, and enhancing our contributions to the well-being of individuals.

Research is a systematic and creative process intended to discover new knowledge and reach fresh conclusions.

As a women's health specialist and Assistant Professor in the health sciences, research is an integral part of my role. I collaborate with colleagues in the health sciences and community to explore and deepen our understanding of various aspects of women's health, from reproductive rights to mental well-being, and investigate how societal factors influence these domains.

In addressing the complex challenges faced by women in the twenty-first century, it's essential to draw on a wide range of perspectives and evidence-based practices. By examining historical trends and cultural norms related to women's health, we gain valuable insights into the origins of existing disparities and potential pathways for improvement.

Whether analyzing trends in maternal care, exploring barriers to healthcare access, or investigating the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, research plays a crucial role in shaping effective interventions and policies. By embracing a research-driven approach, we empower ourselves to advocate for the health and well-being of women everywhere, fostering a more equitable and supportive healthcare environment for all.

Conducting Research

In academia, my research focuses on the multifaceted aspects of women's health and trauma-informed care across different life stages and professional contexts. I approach this through three interconnected pillars:

  1. I delve into the nuances of women's health conditions and their impact on daily life and well-being, aiming to empower women to manage their health effectively.

  2. I explore the intersection of trauma-informed care and societal challenges, investigating how healthcare professionals navigate their roles within broader social contexts.

  3. I strive to advance healthcare education to cultivate responsive and adaptable professionals who can meet the complex needs of patients and deliver patient-centered care effectively.

To contribute to these fields, I engage in rigorous research activities. I share my work-in-progress with colleagues at conferences and workshops, seeking feedback from peers and senior scholars. Once completed, I disseminate my research findings through books, academic journals, and online essays.

The research process is time-consuming, typically taking 1 to 4 years from inception to publication. It involves continuous cycles of research, writing, revision, and review based on feedback from anonymous peer reviewers. Additionally, I contribute to my field by reviewing articles and books for other academics, as well as curating special issues of journals, edited volumes, and online forums. These research endeavors constitute a significant portion of my time as a professor, especially during summers and semester breaks.


Developing Research Strategy

I have developed long- and short-term institutional research strategies, designed research themes and priorities, established research dissemination frameworks, and led groups of researchers on collaborative research projects. 

Grant Award

Project: Enhancing Sense of Belonging Amongst Students and Staff in an Occupational Therapy Graduate Program: A Mixed Method Study, USAHS

Principal Investigator

(Jan 2024- Jan 2025)

Recent research:

Systematic Review

Sabina Khan, Christianah Edema. The effects of yoga on the quality of life and mental health of women with gynecological cancers. PROSPERO 2024 CRD42024499109 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024499109

Equity Advocacy Journal Publication

Khan, S. (2024). Promoting Equity and Inclusion for Mothers of Young Children in Academia. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 12(2), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2206

Qualitative Study

Khan, S., & Edema, C. (2023). A Qualitative Study on Occupational Therapists’ Experiences with Gun Owners and Victims of Gun-Related Violence. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2023.2283499