What brought you to the UAB School of Public Health?

I've always respected the UAB School of Public Health’s research reputation and wanted to contribute to the school's mission. The school has allowed me to blend my expertise in earth and environmental science, engineering and public health.

What is the broad focus of your research?

My research centers on the intersection of environment and public health, inherently embracing an interdisciplinary approach that unites public health, environmental science, geospatial remote sensing and engineering.

Where did you receive your training and degrees?

• Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Postdoctoral Fellow
• The Graduate Center of CUNY, Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Science
• The Graduate Center of CUNY, M.S. in Earth and Environmental Science
• Baruch College of CUNY, MPA in Public Administration and Policy

What is the most exciting project you are currently working on?

Through my collaboration, we have received over $8,000,000 in funding from prestigious agencies such as NSF, USDA and EPA, along with several internal grants from UAB. I am currently engaged in several exciting projects, with my latest endeavor focusing on addressing pressing environmental issues and crafting sustainable solutions for the future. In this project, I analyze the flow of pollutants and evaluate vulnerability in communities situated along rivers in Birmingham. The overarching goal is to pinpoint the most efficacious mitigation strategies for combating urban water pollution and ensuring the health and well-being of the community. In addition, I am working on a few funded projects as principal investigator in collaboration with the School of Engineering, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Lung Health Center.

Furthermore, I am leading a joint undertaking between the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and the Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering Department, funded by the Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center (SSCRC). This initiative also features valuable partnerships with the City of Birmingham, Alabama and the Live HealthSmart Alabama initiative. The primary aim of this multifaceted research endeavor is to confront the challenges posed by Urban Heat Islands (UHIs), which are exacerbated by climate change and simultaneously address associated health risks and disparities. Our central objective is to pinpoint areas most severely affected by heat island phenomena and the loss of vegetation, subsequently informing strategies for effective remediation. By aligning our efforts with Live HealthSmart Alabama, which is already actively engaged in multiple communities throughout Birmingham, we anticipate the project to expand its reach. This expansion will enable us to identify socioeconomically disadvantaged and health-vulnerable communities needing support and intervention to enhance their quality of life.

The proposed work empowers the City of Birmingham with advanced technical analytics and policies for tackling environmental challenges in areas most susceptible to extreme heat events and their associated consequences.

What is your favorite self-authored manuscript?

One of my earliest publications marked a pioneering effort in assessing urban heat islands (UHI) and localized hotspots at the microscale level. Prior to this study, satellite data provided temperature information at a macro level but lacked the specificity required for near-surface temperatures in distinct areas. In our research, we harnessed in-situ measurements and high-resolution remote sensing data at the street level to generate temperature maps that meticulously documented surface temperatures on a block-by-block basis in Manhattan, New York.

This approach allowed us to pinpoint hotspots that previously eluded detection in other UHI studies. The level of temperature variation we observed across city blocks was indeed surprising. We attribute this variation to differences in urban morphology, building density, and height, which follow distinct patterns when comparing streets to avenues.

Karimi, M., Nazari, R. Vant-Hull, B., and Khanbilvardi, R., (2015), “Urban Heat Island Assessment with Temperature Maps Using High Resolution Datasets Measured at Street Level”, Journal of Constructed Environment, Vol. 6, Issue 4, pp. 17-28.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far in your career?

I am the founder and CTO of a technology startup funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF): CanAiry, based on my newly patented work, an innovative real-time environmental exposure and respiratory health assessment, connecting environment, COPD and respiratory compromised patients with health care providers.

As the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Lung Health Center pilot program, I spearheaded a collaborative effort with the Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering. We conceived, designed and brought a cutting-edge health monitoring device equipped with wearable sensors to fruition. This innovative technology is designed to establish a vital connection between COPD and Asthma patients and their healthcare providers to reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations significantly.

I am deeply enthused about the potential impact of this device, which can make a substantial difference in the lives of individuals grappling with respiratory diseases. By facilitating improved access to care and enhancing these patients' overall quality of life, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact on their well-being.

What is the coolest training or program you’ve been a part of, or your favorite conference you’ve attended?

I successfully completed two rigorous training programs: one with NSF I-Corp and Gener8tor, a nationally ranked venture capital firm and accelerator. These comprehensive training experiences demanded tremendous dedication, determination and hard work. Our journey included extensive student training, fostering team cohesion, intricate device design and meticulous planning.

Throughout this process, we met and conducted interviews with more than 200 pulmonologists, allergy specialists, urgent care physicians and patients. These interactions provided invaluable insights into their needs and gaps within this field, offering us a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities.

Our training equipped us with an in-depth comprehension of the wearable device market and facilitated significant improvements in our design. Additionally, it empowered us with knowledge about the intricacies of patent filing and the commercialization process. This comprehensive training has positioned us for success in developing and deploying our innovative healthcare solutions.

If you weren’t in academia, what would your career be?

While I am genuinely passionate about my academic work and love doing research, teaching and working with my students, if I embark on a different career path, I would likely pursue my passion for caring for animals. In that alternate reality, I would become an animal vet. The joy of helping animals and witnessing their improved health and happiness is a source of immense fulfillment. So, while I'm knee-deep in academia, the thought of a life tending to animals and providing medical care in a parallel universe tickles my compassion for our furry friends and my lovely cat, Tom!