Bio
Mehedi Hasan is a Second-year PhD student in the Community, Environment, and Policy department of UofA, bringing a wealth of experience from his extensive background in public health research. Born and raised in Bangladesh, a developing country in Southeast Asia, Mehedi completed both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Public Health & Informatics at Jahangirnagar University.
After completing his education, Mehedi joined the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), where he spent five years and was deeply engaged in understanding and addressing critical issues related to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). His research focused on identifying affordable and sustainable solutions to WASH challenges, particularly in resource-poor settings.
During his time at icddr,b, Mehedi worked with some of the most vulnerable populations, including urban slum dwellers, forcibly displaced immigrants, people with disabilities, and communities living near the coastal zones of the Bay of Bengal. His work often involved co-designing and implementing interventions that were both inclusive and climate-resilient, ensuring that marginalized groups were not left behind.
Mehedi’s research has had a significant impact, both locally and internationally. He has managed multi-country studies operating in Kenya, Indonesia, Zambia, and Sierra Leone, as well as nationwide studies in Bangladesh. As a co-investigator, he has secured over $228,000 in research grants and contributed to several peer-reviewed publications on topics such as occupational health, disability inclusion, and pandemic resilience.
His ability to lead diverse research teams, mentor students, and translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations has made him a valuable contributor to the field of public health.
Currently, as a PhD student, Mehedi is working on two projects. The First project involves developing a risk assessment tool for school health staff, aimed at improving health outcomes for students. The second project explores the risk perceptions of biosolids among occupational and community populations, addressing critical environmental health concerns. In addition to his research, Mehedi is also serving as a Teaching Assistant for a Masters level and a Honors level courses, where he shares his expertise and passion for public health with students.
Mehedi’s journey is driven by a commitment to equity and inclusion, particularly in addressing the health needs of the most vulnerable populations. His work reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by communities in resource-poor settings and a determination to find sustainable solutions that improve lives.
