Yara M. Asi

Yara M. Asi is an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida in the School of Global Health Management and Informatics, with over six years of experience. A 2020-2021 Fulbright US Scholar and Non-resident Fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC, her work focuses on global health and development in fragile and conflict-affected populations. She has collaborated with organizations like Amnesty International USA and Al-Shabaka Policy Network on policy and outreach, and her research spans food security, health informatics, women in healthcare, and conflict-related public health threats.

Education

• PhD in Public Affairs (Health Services Management and Research Track), University of Central Florida (2015)

Research Interests

Dr. Asi examines health systems in conflict zones, food insecurity in Gaza, and the humanitarian impacts of prolonged blockades. Her work connects war, economic instability, and public health infrastructure collapse, emphasizing malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and refugee health.

Recent Articles

Her 2025 articles highlight Israel’s policies exacerbating Gaza’s famine, the destruction of agricultural land, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war, supported by data on mortality rates and international law violations.

Scientific Awards

• 2020-2021 Fulbright US Scholar
• Non-resident Fellow, Arab Center Washington DC

Affiliations and Impact

Dr. Asi’s analysis on Gaza’s prewar vulnerabilities and Israel’s historical control over aid has been cited in major outlets. She advocates for health equity and condemns humanitarian law breaches, linking her work to global health policy and conflict resolution.