Professor, Tufts School of Medicine, United States
Dr. Shayesteh Jahanfar is a distinguished Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, where she teaches epidemiology, biostatistics, and systematic reviews. With over three decades of global academic, research, and clinical experience, she is recognized for her contributions to reproductive epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, and public health education. Dr. Jahanfar is also a certified Cochrane trainer and has conducted more than 40 systematic review workshops worldwide. Her academic leadership spans across prestigious institutions in the U.S., Canada, Malaysia, and Australia. She has successfully led epidemiological investigations, mentored doctoral candidates, and developed medical curricula in multiple countries. Known for her collaborative work with organizations like WHO, CDC, and CIHR, she exemplifies academic excellence, policy engagement, and community-focused research. Her work continues to impact public health through training, curriculum development, and reproductive health research.
Profile
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🎓 Education :
Dr. Jahanfar holds two Ph.D. degrees—one in Epidemiology and Healthcare from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and another in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University of New South Wales (Australia). She also completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Epidemiology and Public Health at Putra University (Malaysia), where she previously earned an M.Sc. in Community Health. Additionally, she obtained a Certificate in Public Health Concepts from the University of North Carolina (USA). Her foundational studies began with a B.Sc. in Clinical Science – Obstetrics from the National Medical University. This multidisciplinary academic path has equipped her with in-depth expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, public health frameworks, reproductive health, and global healthcare systems. Her international education, from Southeast Asia to North America, reflects her adaptability and dedication to public health advancement across borders.
💼 Experience :
Dr. Jahanfar has taught and held leadership roles at Tufts University, Central Michigan University, University of British Columbia, University of Malaya, and University of Kuala Lumpur. At Tufts, she serves as a professor of epidemiology and public health, also coordinating courses and leading committees. As a Cochrane trainer, she has delivered more than 40 systematic review workshops globally. She has managed twin registries, worked on national health studies, and served as a research associate in major hospitals and universities. Beyond teaching, she has directed Cochrane affiliates and led projects supported by WHO, CDC, and CIHR. Her clinical and academic experience spans multiple countries and includes roles such as adjunct professor, curriculum coordinator, academic advisor, and research associate. Her combined expertise in epidemiology, maternal and child health, and public health education defines her as a well-rounded educator, investigator, and leader in reproductive health.
🏅 Awards and Honors :
Dr. Jahanfar’s outstanding academic and research contributions have earned her leadership appointments, including Chair of the Academic Research Award Committee at Tufts University and Director of Cochrane Affiliates in the U.S. and Malaysia. She secured competitive grants from national and international bodies such as WHO, CIHR, and various Ministries of Health. Her teaching excellence has been consistently recognized by students and academic peers, with evaluations scoring 85–94/100. She led national epidemiological studies that resulted in policy changes, such as improved vaccination protocols for healthcare workers in Canada. Additionally, she has been acknowledged for establishing the Twin Registries in Iran and Malaysia and contributing to over 20 systematic reviews. Her efforts in academic curriculum development and international health collaboration exemplify her dedication to excellence in public health research, teaching, and advocacy.
🔎 Research Focus :
Dr. Jahanfar’s research focuses on reproductive epidemiology, maternal and child health, systematic reviews, public health surveillance, and longitudinal data analysis. She has led groundbreaking work on twin registries, co-bedding in early childhood, and the reproductive health of immigrants. Her interdisciplinary studies integrate biostatistics, epidemiological modeling, and spatial health analytics. She is particularly known for her expertise in evidence-based reviews and meta-analysis, frequently collaborating with Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group. Her projects include national-scale research on multiple sclerosis, vaccine policy analysis, and unwanted pregnancies. She has worked extensively with population databases from Canada, the U.S., and Australia, applying big data tools to study trends in reproductive outcomes. Her approach merges clinical, social, and policy-oriented research, making significant contributions to healthcare reform and equity in reproductive health. Her goal remains to inform health policy and empower communities through scientifically grounded research and collaborative public health action.
🏆 Conclusion
Dr. Shayesteh Jahanfar is highly suitable for the Excellence in Research Award, given her proven record of international research leadership, public health innovation, and academic impact. Her contributions to reproductive epidemiology, evidence-based medicine, and capacity building across borders have transformed not only academic institutions but also public health practices. By focusing on strategic dissemination and enhancing visibility within high-impact U.S. grant and publication landscapes, she can further solidify her global stature. Her combination of scholarly rigor, mentorship, and policy-relevant research makes her a model recipient for this prestigious recognition.
Publication
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Title: Barriers and Facilitators of Tobacco Cessation Interventions at the Population and Healthcare System Levels: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sanchita Sultana; Joseph Inungu; Shayesteh Jahanfar
Year: 2025
Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22060825
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Title: Unveiling the latest evidence: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis and GRADE assessment on the effectiveness of acupressure in managing labor pain
Authors: Mona Larki; Leila Karimi; Shayesteh Jahanfar; Solmaz Mohammadi; Somayeh Makvandi
Year: 2025
Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04908-9
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Title: The effect of a midwifery continuity of care program on clinical competence of midwifery students and delivery outcomes: a mixed-methods protocol
Authors: Fatemeh Razavinia; Parvin Abedi; Mina Iravani; Eesa Mohammadi; Bahman Cheraghian; Shayesteh Jahanfar; Mahin Najafian
Year: 2024
Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05321-5
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Title: Assessing the impact of contraceptive use on cancer risk among women of reproductive age – a systematic review
Authors: Shayesteh Jahanfar et al.
Year: 2023
Link 1: https://doi.org/10.60692/yygt4-9w703
Link 2: https://doi.org/10.60692/132×8-s5g28
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Title: An educational programme based on salutogenesis theory on childbirth fear and delivery method among nulliparous women: A mixed methods research protocol
Authors: Safieh Kananikandeh; Farkhondeh Amin Shokravi; Mojgan Mirghafourvand; Shayesteh Jahanfar
Year: 2023
Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.1414
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Title: A neglected critical time to prevent maternal and offspring’s adverse outcomes: The preconception period
Authors: Mojtaba Keikha; Shayesteh Jahanfar; Zeinab Hemati
Year: 2022
Link: https://doi.org/10.18502/IJRM.V20I1.10237
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Title: Forced sex and its predictors among students attending university: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shayesteh Jahanfar; Parivash Ahmadpour; Mojgan Mirghafourvand
Year: 2022
Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/S13690-022-00823-4
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Title: Investigating the prevalence of hearing loss and its related factors in professional drivers in Shahroud city, Iran
Authors: Hajar Golbabaei Pasandi; Sepideh Mahdavi; Seyedeh Solmaz Talebi; Shayesteh Jahanfar; Mina Shayestefar; Mohammad Hossein Ebrahimi
Year: 2022
Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2021.1943154
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Title: Letter to the Editor: “Antibiotic exposure and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis”
Authors: Maryam Zarean; Shayesteh Jahanfar; Mojtaba Keikha
Year: 2022
Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/S11356-022-18549-9
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Title: An overview on effects of micronutrients and macronutrients interventions in management of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Marzieh Saei Ghare Naz; Shayesteh Jahanfar; Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
Year: 2022
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.11.007