Nipher Malika

Nipher Malika
Associate Policy Researcher
Santa Monica Office

Education

PhD in social policy & social research, Loma Linda University; MPH in research epidemiology, Loma Linda University; BS in biology, Northwest Nazarene University

Overview

Nipher Malika is policy researcher at the RAND Corporation with extensive background in community-based participatory research among marginalized, minority and immigrant populations. Her research centers on closing the gap in health inequities through 1) understanding how various social determinants affect the health of individuals and communities; and 2) identifying solutions, in partnership with communities, to address a range of inequities.  She has methodological expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodology and the synergistic utilization of both (mixed methods) with field data collection, analysis and interventions conducted primarily in the United States but also in parts of Africa, Asia and South America. Her recent work includes 1) assessing the accessibility and availability of mental health in New York City, 2) examining the role of social networks in HIV prevention in Uganda, and specific to this project 3) identifying the impact of social networks on risk and resilience among urban American Indian/Alaska Native emerging adults. Malika holds a Ph.D. in social policy and social research and MPH in epidemiology.

Selected Publications

Malika, N., Granillo, C., Irani, C., Montgomery, S., & Belliard, JC., "Chronic Absenteeism: Risks and Protective Factors among low-income, minority children and adolescents. ," Journal of School Health, 2021

Malika, N., Roberts, L., Alemi, Q., Casiano, C., & Montgomery, S., "Ethnic Differences among Black Men in prostate Cancer Knowledge and Screening: A Mixed Method Study. ," Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 2021

Malika, N., Granillo, C., & Belliard, JC., "Bridging the Gap Between Resources and Families of Students in Marginalized Communities.," Childhood Education, 2021

Fisher, C. C., Ortiz, L., Alemi, Q., & Malika, N. , "Congregations Serving Homeless Populations: Examining Predictive Factors and Policy Implications.," Social Work Research, 2021

Malika, N., Ogundimu, O, Roberts, L., Alemi, Q., Casiano, C., & Montgomery, S. , "African Immigrant Health: Prostate Cancer Attitudes and Perceptions. ," American Journal of Men’s Health, 2020

Malika, N., Barbagelatta, G., Penny, M., Reynolds, K., & Sinclair, R. , "Impact of housing and infrastructure on handwashing in Peru. ," International Health., 2020

Malika, N., Arthur, K., & Belliard, J. C., "Addressing the health of a marginalized population in the US: impact and policy implications for community health workers.," Community, Work & Family, 2019

Malika, NM., Desai, AK., & Belliard, JC., "Herbal Use and Medical Pluralism Among Latinos in Southern California.," Journal of Community Health

Languages

Swahili

Publications