Fatima T. Zahra

Assistant Professor of Evaluation, Statistics, & Research Methodology

Biography

Dr. Fatima T. Zahra, an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, spearheads research at the nexus of artificial intelligence, education, and labor markets.Her research is centered on devising cutting-edge solutions to combat various forms of inequality and poverty, with an emphasis on the future of work. She holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development from the University of Pennsylvania and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard’s Business School and T. H. School of Public Health. Previously, she worked as a research scientist at New York University and a research director at UPenn's PDRI-DevLab. Dr. Zahra is currently affiliated with the Center for Measurement Justice and the South Asia Institute at Harvard. She also serves on the editorial board of the American Journal of Evaluation, contributing to significant interdisciplinary research initiatives. 

Beyond her quest to tackle inequalities, Dr. Zahra cherishes time with loved ones and finds balance in boxing and meditation, blending the art of discipline and zen.

Research

Current Projects:

Artificial Intelligence in Education: This study explores the use of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, as teaching assistants for teaching critical thinking and coding skills to diverse cultural and age groups, ranging from middle school to graduate students with a special focus on psychosocial well being and future employment.

Climate Change, Inequalities and Childhood Development: This research examines the effects of climate change factors, including poor air quality, increased natural disasters, and higher temperatures, on the developmental health of children in high-risk areas.

Sustainable Livelihood for Refugee Fathers: This project investigates employment barriers faced by Rohingya fathers in refugee camps, focusing on its effects on their psychosocial health and involvement in early childhood development. 

Areas of Expertise:

Human Development

Global and Mental Health

Migration and Forced displacement

Artificial Intelligence and Labor Market

Culturally Responsive Evaluation Methods

Program and Policy Evaluation

Randomized Controlled Trials

Critical Quantitative Methods

Mixed Methods

Visual Ethnography

Design Thinking

Professional Service

Dr. Zahra serves on the Applied AI Curriculum Committee at UTK, contributing to significant interdisciplinary research initiatives. She also serves on the editorial board of the American Journal of Evaluation. 

Publications

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