Sharifa Sultana

Sharifa Sultana is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, holding affiliations in multiple interdisciplinary units including the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, Health Care Engineering Systems Center, Coordinated Science Lab, School of Information Sciences, Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Center for Digital Agriculture, and National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). Her research bridges social sciences, technology, and global development, focusing on marginalized communities in Bangladesh and the Global South.

Her work addresses critical issues such as rural digital transformation, healthcare equity, ethical technology design, and sustainable agriculture. Notable contributions include studies on e-commerce impacts in rural China, gender barriers in healthcare access, and participatory design tools for automated vehicles.

Her research outputs (35+ articles) span computer science, sociology, and public health, with a focus on participatory methods and culturally grounded solutions. She collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in technology adoption, environmental sustainability, and social justice in developing regions.

Her lab affiliations and interdisciplinary roles reflect a commitment to applied research with real-world societal impact. Current projects explore AI ethics, fintech for marginalized groups, and HCI innovations in postcolonial contexts.