Assistant Professor
Dr. Kruti Chaliawala is a public health researcher and educator whose work is deeply shaped by both scholarly training and lived experience. Her academic journey in the United States began in 2010 as an international student, an experience that continues to inform her commitment to equity, inclusion, and student well-being in higher education. Across more than a decade of study, research, and service, she has developed a strong dedication to advancing public health through culturally responsive education and research that centers marginalized and underrepresented populations.
Dr. Chaliawala earned her PhD in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Cincinnati. Her doctoral research focused on health disparities among minority populations and international college students, with particular attention to sexual health, mental well-being, and psychosocial determinants of health across the life span. Her work emphasizes how culture, identity, and institutional contexts shape health behaviors and access to support, especially among adolescents and young adults. She also holds a Master of Science in Health Promotion Sciences with a concentration in Wellness Management from the University of Central Oklahoma, graduating with Honors. During her graduate training, she served as a Sexual Health Ambassador, working directly with international students to promote reproductive health awareness, sex positivity, and informed decision-making.
In addition to her public health training, Dr. Chaliawala has a multidisciplinary academic background, including a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. This interdisciplinary foundation strengthens her ability to approach complex public health challenges through multiple analytical lenses, integrating behavioral, psychological, and structural perspectives.
Dr. Chaliawala’s research and teaching are grounded in a commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive academic environments that recognize students’ diverse lived experiences. She is particularly focused on bridging institutional gaps that affect international and minoritized students’ access to mental health, sexual health, and supportive resources. Her research interests include international student health disparities, mental health and help-seeking behaviors, sexual health, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and psychosocial determinants of health among adolescents and young adults. Through her scholarship, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Chaliawala seeks to translate evidence into practice and inform policies and programs that promote equity, belonging, and well-being across educational and community settings.
Contact Information
Office: HSRV 103
Phone: (208) 426-3921
Email: krutichaliawala@boisestate.edu