Sabena Thomas | Faculty Profiles

Diplomas/Degrees

Ph.D. Public Health Sciences, Social and Behavioral Science, West Virginia University (2018)

MA. International Development Studies, Health Concentration, Ohio University (2015)

Licenses and Certifications

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Professional Experience

Current: Assistant Professor: College of Nursing and Public Health, Adelphi University

2018-2020: Assistant Professor: Department of Public Health and Human Performance, SUNY Potsdam

2019-2020: Co-Interim Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, SUNY Potsdam

Recent Courses

Capstone I In Public Health

Capstone II In Public Health

Planning Public Health Programs And Interventions

Social And Behavioral Issues In Public Health

Social Research Methods In Public Health

Courses Previously Taught

Evaluating Public Health Programs

Health Disparities

Nutrition for Special Populations

Women's Health

Specialization/Interests

Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies

Women's Health

Immigrant Health

Minority Health

Cardiovascular Health

Health Disparities

Teaching Philosophy

I embrace a student centered atmosphere that thrives on diversity in opnions, engagement and inclusivity. I see my role as a facilitator who endeavors to engage and motivate students to critically think about
solutions and their unique contributions to public health within and outside the classroom. My mainobjective as an educator is to create an environment where students feel empowered and confident in sharing ideas aimed at problem solving. With this in mind, I will endeavor to create a safe space for
students from underrepresented backgrounds to hone their skills, to challenge and be challenged.

I believe that providing a school climate that is inclusive where students feel safe and empoweredregardless of socio-demographic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or ability. As an advocate for social justice and inclusivity, I ensure that my classroom is reflective of this. I encourage
students to embrace differences of opinions and backgrounds. I allow students to express themselves, ideas and thoughts respectfully. I value unique contributions from varying backgrounds as this often
present itself as a learning opportunity to solidify, correct or improve arguments on topical issues.

Research Interests

Immigrant Health

Minority Health

Cardiovascular Health

Women's Health

Articles

Elias, S., Chen, Y., Liu, X., Slone, S., Turkson-Ocran, R. A., Ogungbe, B., Thomas, S.,.... & Himmelfarb, C. R.D. (2024). Shared Decision-Making in Cardiovascular Risk Factor Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-
Analysis. JAMA Network Open, 7(3), e243779-e243779.

Nuhu K, Humagain K, Aloribi, G, Thomas S, Blavos A, Placide V. (2022). Global COVID-19 Case Fatality Rates Influenced by Inequalities in Human Development and Vaccination Rates" Discover Social Science and
Health, (2)1, 20

Thomas S, Umer A, Commodore-Mensah Y, Davidov D, Abildso C, (2018). Length of Stay and Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Afro-Caribbean Immigrants in NYC. (Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities).

Kristjansson A., Thomas S, Lilly, C. Thorisdottir I.E., Allegrante, JP and Sigfusdottir I.D. (2017) Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy and Academic Achievement in the Offspring over Time: A Registry Data-Based
Cohort Study.

Conference Presentations

Nuhu, K., Humagain, K., Alorbi, G., Thomas, S., Blavos, A., & Placide, V. (2022). Global COVID-19 case Fatality Rates Influenced by Inequalities in Human Development and Vaccination Rates. 2022 American Public
Health Association Conference. Boston Massachusetts.

Thomas S., Umer A, Commodore-Mensah Y, Davidov D, Abildso, C. (2020, March) Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Health among Afro-Caribbean Immigrants in New York City. EPI/Lifestyle 2019 Scientific
Sessions. Phoenix, Arizona.

Thomas S., Umer A, Commodore-Mensah Y, Khalid S, Abildso, C. (2019, March) The Cardiovascular Health of Afro-Caribbean Immigrants in New York City-A Cross Sectional Study. EPI/Lifestyle 2019 Scientific Sessions.
Houston, Texas.