Payal Kahar

Dr. Payal Kahar is an Associate Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), holding dual roles as Visiting Assistant Professor at the Global Public Service Academy and affiliate faculty with FGCU's Water School. She earned her Ph.D. in Health Education from Texas A&M University, an MPH in Epidemiology from Texas A&M Health Science Center, and a Bachelor's in Dental Surgery from GITAM Dental College. Her expertise spans global health, health education, and addressing health disparities in rural and immigrant populations.

Her research focuses on oral health disparities in developing nations and health inequities among U.S. immigrant communities. Notable projects include the Immokalee Health Project (grant co-PI) and a study on Mayan oral health in Belize. Dr. Kahar actively contributes to public health organizations like the American Public Health Association and chairs local committees in Southwest Florida.

Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Global Health Systems, Needs Assessment, and Public Health Internship. She balances clinical dentistry experience from India with academic research, emphasizing community-based interventions and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Education: Ph.D. (Texas A&M), MPH (Texas A&M), BDS (GITAM)
• Grants: $70k Immokalee Health Project (Co-PI), $5k Global Public Service Academy Grant (PI)
• Key Areas: Oral health, immigrant health, program planning