Policy Researcher, at RAND, United States.
Dr. Nipher Malika is a dedicated public health researcher specializing in health disparities, minority health, HIV prevention, and social policy. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Policy & Social Research from Loma Linda University, along with a Master of Public Health in Research Epidemiology. As a researcher at the RAND Corporation, she conducts evidence-based studies on healthcare equity, social determinants of health, and culturally adapted interventions for marginalized communities, particularly African immigrants and Native American populations. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Research Excellence Award and The President’s Award, and she has served as a Health Disparities Fellow at leading institutions. Dr. Malika has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals such as PLOS Global Public Health and Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, contributing to impactful policy research aimed at advancing global health equity and social justice.
Professional Profile
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Education 🎓
Dr. Nipher Malika holds a Ph.D. in Social Policy & Social Research (2021) from Loma Linda University, where she specialized in health disparities and epidemiological research. She also earned a Master of Public Health in Research Epidemiology (2015) and a Bachelor of Science in Biology (2011) from Northwest Nazarene University. Her educational background reflects a strong foundation in public health, data-driven research, and policy analysis.
Professional Experience 💼
Currently, Dr. Malika is a researcher at the RAND Corporation, a globally recognized think tank specializing in policy analysis, social research, and public health interventions. Her role involves conducting large-scale epidemiological studies, designing intervention strategies, and informing evidence-based policymaking. Her work has significant real-world implications, particularly for underserved communities and public health policy development.
Research Interests 🌍
Dr. Malika’s research centers on health disparities, minority health, HIV prevention, and social determinants of health. She has conducted extensive studies on African immigrant health, American Indian/Alaska Native populations, and global health equity, focusing on culturally adapted interventions, stigma reduction, and social policy impact. Her work aims to bridge healthcare gaps and promote evidence-based policies for marginalized communities.
Awards & Honors 🏆
Dr. Malika has received multiple prestigious awards for her research contributions, including the Research Excellence Award, The President’s Award, and the Hulda Crooks Award from Loma Linda University in 2021. Additionally, she was selected as a Health Disparities Research Fellow at the University of Michigan and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, highlighting her dedication to advancing health equity.
Top Noted Publications 📚
1. Intersectional HIV Stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean: Insights and Pathways Forward – A Scoping Review
Authors: Nipher M. Malika, Laura M. Bogart, Joseph K.B. Matovu, Lejeune Y. Lockett, David P. Lee, et al.
Journal: PLOS Global Public Health
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
2. Health Equity Checklist for Research
Authors: Nipher M. Malika, Stacie A. Salsbury, Ian Douglass Coulter, Kimberly Michelle Tippens, Michele J. Maiers, et al.
Journal: Ethics, Medicine and Public Health
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
Conclusion
Nipher Malika is highly competitive for the Best Researcher Award due to her strong academic background, significant research contributions, and policy-relevant expertise. Her work in health disparities, HIV prevention, and minority health aligns with pressing global health issues, making her research impactful.
To further strengthen her profile, she could aim for more independent research leadership, greater visibility in the academic community, and expansion into experimental studies. Given her track record, publication impact, and policy contributions, she is a strong candidate for this award.