Meet new SPPH Assistant Professor Kruti Chaliawala, PhD, MS, MA, CHES:
What originally encouraged you to teach and work in the public health space?
I am an international student from India who originally came to the U.S. to become a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI). But life had other plans for me, and when I completed my double bachelor’s in forensic science and criminal justice, I was intrigued by the brain that goes behind violent crimes, hence my MA in forensic psychology. During these transitions and interactions with peers, I observed a huge gap between the health resources available on a university campus and the knowledge international students had, particularly sexual and mental health. This led to an MS in Health Promotion Sciences and a PhD in Health Education.
I have come a long way to find my passion for health education/public health, and now it feels like the right place. I am here to share my passion for public health with the Boise State community!
What brought you to Boise State University?
I have had a fair share of interviews and interactions with various educational institutions. In my search for where I belong, I stumbled upon Boise State University. During the interview, I learned more about the work culture and the Blue Turf Thinking embedded within this institution.
I immediately fell in love with the values, mission and student-oriented educational policies. The task was to make the committee like me, and all I had to do was be myself, which was enough to be a Bronco!
What course or topic are you most excited to teach and why?
For this semester, I am excited to teach Introduction to Health Science and Public Health. Health Science and Public Health have many applications and can be implemented in various fields.
It is challenging how much emphasis is placed on understanding the interdisciplinary nature of health science and public health and its relevance to careers in healthcare, research, policy and education. As an educator, this is what excites me, and this is what I love doing!
What sort of research or project are you excited about and why?
I am currently excited about research focusing on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on health behaviors and outcomes among adolescents and young adults. My previous work has highlighted the importance of understanding psychosocial determinants of health, and I believe that investigating the long-term effects of ACEs is a crucial next step in this research trajectory.
One project I am particularly enthusiastic about is examining how ACEs influence substance use, mental health and sexual health behaviors among college students, with a specific focus on underserved and minority populations. By exploring the pathways through which early life stressors affect health behaviors, we can develop targeted interventions to mitigate these effects and promote resilience. This research aligns with my passion for addressing health disparities and supporting vulnerable populations.
Here at Boise State University, I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and students to advance our understanding of ACEs and to develop innovative, evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes. By integrating community engagement and interdisciplinary approaches, we can create impactful solutions that enhance the well-being of individuals and communities.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I love to cook, garden, read Charles Dickens or Arthur Conan Doyle and paint for fun. My current paint project involves collecting glass bottles and painting them colorful. When all the bottles are done, I plan to make a chandelier out of it.