Bridging Borders: Dr. Karishma Chhabria’s Impact on Public Health at UWF and Beyond

Dr. Karishma Chhabria’s journey in public health, now as an Assistant Professor at the University of West Florida, is driven by a powerful vision: to improve the lives of vulnerable populations through groundbreaking research. Originally from India, Dr. Chhabria’s background in pharmacy shaped her understanding of health, but it was her deep passion for helping others that led her to the field of public health. Today, her research at UWF focuses on mental health and its intersection with physical health, specifically in pregnant women and cancer patients—groups often affected by significant health disparities.

"I always wanted to understand population health," she reflects. "When I was studying pharmacy, I realized that the field in India focused more on marketing and lab work. But I’m a people person, and I knew I needed to do something that could truly make a difference in the lives of large groups, not just individuals."

Her story truly began to take shape when she immigrated from India to the U.S. in 2011. Upon arriving and beginning her studies, Dr. Chhabria proactively sought out professors and research opportunities, volunteering her time and asking questions, eager to learn about public health and research. This hands-on approach opened doors to a variety of research experiences—from environmental science to clinical health—which helped her narrow her focus to the intersection of mental health and physical health in vulnerable populations.

In 2018, Dr. Chhabria earned her PhD in Public Health from the University of Florida, where her research began to gain recognition. Today, her work is primarily centered on improving mental health outcomes for pregnant women and cancer patients, two groups often affected by severe health disparities due to socio-economic, cultural, and medical barriers.

"One of the most interesting parts of my research is looking at how physical conditions are so closely tied to mental health outcomes," Dr. Chhabria explains. "For instance, women with metabolic conditions are almost twice as likely to experience poor mental health, and having two such conditions significantly increases the risk. Cancer patients, who already face significant physical challenges, often neglect their mental well-being, making it even harder for them to cope with their condition."

Dr. Chhabria’s work doesn’t just uncover correlations—it has the potential to transform healthcare practices. She uses large datasets to identify mental health risk factors, focusing particularly on conditions like metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Her research reveals the intricate links between physical and mental health, leading to more proactive approaches to healthcare.

"We need to be proactive, not just reactive, in identifying those at risk for mental health issues," she explains. "By using predictive analytics, we can work to prevent mental health problems before they escalate, improving the overall quality of life for these patients."

But Dr. Chhabria’s impact goes beyond her research. As a faculty member at the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, she is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of public health professionals. Having navigated the complexities of research as an immigrant, she understands the importance of guidance and support. She makes it a priority to be an accessible mentor, helping her students take ownership of their research and encouraging them to present their findings at conferences.

“Research can feel daunting at first,” she says, “but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I want my students to understand that research isn’t just about gathering data—it’s about asking the right questions, drawing meaningful conclusions, and having an impact on society.”

Dr. Chhabria’s mentorship plays a critical role in shaping the future of public health. Her commitment to her students extends beyond the classroom, equipping them with the tools they need to address real-world health disparities. Through her guidance, students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research, preparing them to tackle the most pressing health issues of our time.

"Public health is about making a difference on a larger scale," Dr. Chhabria says. "It’s not about treating one patient at a time; it’s about improving the health of entire populations, especially those who are the most vulnerable."

For prospective students passionate about public health, Dr. Chhabria’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how education, mentorship, and research can come together to make a lasting difference in the world. Her work continues to shape the future of public health, ensuring that those who need help the most are the ones who receive it.

In a world increasingly faced with complex health challenges, the dedication of researchers like Dr. Chhabria offers hope. Her commitment to improving both mental and physical health for vulnerable populations is a testament to the power of public health, and a reminder that every step toward knowledge can lead to profound, life-changing impact.

As Dr. Chhabria continues her work to reduce health disparities and improve mental health outcomes, there’s no better time for prospective students to get involved. Whether through education or philanthropy, you can help shape the future of public health—just as Dr. Chhabria is doing every day.