Post-Doctoral Scholar Spotlight: Zainab Almogheer, PhD
The Behavioral Health Wellness Environments for Living and Learning (BH WELL) Post-Doctoral Scholars Spotlight highlights the journeys, accomplishments, and contributions of BH WELL’s post-doctoral scholars. This spotlight features Zainab “Zee” Almogheer, PhD, MSN, BSN.
Originally from Saudi Arabia, Dr. Zainab Almogheer came to the University of Kentucky to pursue a PhD in Nursing. While in her doctorate program, Zainab joined the BH WELL team as a research assistant, where she contributed to a variety of behavioral health research initiatives. After completing her doctorate, she returned to the BH WELL team as a postdoctoral scholar, continuing her commitment to advancing mental health research and improving health outcomes.
Reflecting on her decision to pursue a doctoral degree, Dr. Almogheer shares, “I have always been passionate about mental health and wanted to contribute to nursing research in a meaningful way. I wanted to be part of work that can improve people’s lives, especially for individuals and communities who may not always have access to the support they need.”
Throughout her time with BH WELL, Dr. Almogheer has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and presentations related to mental health help-seeking and tele-health usability. Her work has focused on increasing understanding of mental health challenges and identifying ways to better support individuals and communities. Specifically, Dr. Almogheer's projects have included examining tele-mental health services among Medicaid providers and beneficiaries, and a BioPsychoSocial Spiritual (BPSS) Study. Her work has spanned both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including data analysis, manuscript development, and collaborative research efforts.
“One of my favourite experiences has been working on projects that examine the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of mental health and mental illness,” Dr. Almogheer explained. “I value research that promotes a holistic understanding of mental health and supports better care and interventions.”
Dr. Almogheer reflects, “Being part of the BH WELL team has been a very meaningful experience for me. It has helped me grow both professionally and personally. I have appreciated the opportunity to learn from supportive mentors, collaborate with interdisciplinary colleagues, and contribute to research that has the potential to make a real impact.
BH WELL Director, Dr. Zim Okoli, shares, “Dr. Almogheer has been instrumental in exploring research around the meaning of mental health and mental health help-seeking behaviors. She has contributed to the BHWELL team in so many ways. From being an excellent scholar to mentoring students, she has always been willing to support advancing mental health literacy while promoting the importance of care-seeking. We look forward to her future career as she continues to be an avid advocate, nurse-scientist, and educator in mental health.”
As she concludes her time as a BH WELL post-doctoral scholar, Dr. Almogheer plans to continue expanding her research portfolio, publishing meaningful work, and contributing to the improvement of mental health care through research, education, and collaboration.
Dr. Almogheer’s tenure with the BH WELL research team has been characterized by a strong commitment to advancing mental health research and promoting a holistic understanding of behavioral health. We thank Dr. Almogheer for her dedication and contributions to BH WELL and look forward to following her continued success and impact within the field of nursing and mental health research.
Housed within the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, BH WELL exists to promote behavioral health and wellness among individuals facing behavioral health challenges. The BH WELL research team members are experts in behavioral health integration and change. They provide the essentials of mental and behavioral health support: practice, research, education, scholarship and service.