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Research Highlights
Research Highlights
🔹 Fatema, N. & Vinyeta, K. (2025)
The Role of Community Organizations in Addressing Environmental Injustices Faced by Immigrants along the Wasatch Front, Utah
This research explores how grassroots organizations support immigrant communities facing environmental disparities. It highlights their critical role in advocacy, services, and climate resilience.
Learn more about the project:
🔹 Fatema, N., Vinyeta, K., & Hofmann, E. (2025)
The Underutilized Role of Immigrant-Serving Community Organizations in Addressing Environmental Injustice: A Qualitative Study in Utah
Explores how immigrant-serving organizations address environmental injustice in Utah.
Under review in International Migration Review
🔹 Fatema, N., Vinyeta, K., & Hofmann, E. (2025)
Community organizations, Immigrants and Air Pollution risks in Utah
This policy report highlights the barriers and opportunities for community organizations addressing disproportionate air pollution exposure among immigrant and refugee communities in Utah. It examines gaps in awareness, programming, and resources while offering pathways forward for more equitable and community-led environmental justice initiatives.
🔹 Barkat, Z., Ulrich-Schad, J. D., & Fatema, N. (2024)
Utah Soil Health Network Producer Survey
Collaborative state level survey report supporting soil health and agricultural sustainability in Utah.
🔹 Fatema, N. (2025)
Indigenous Fire Management Practices in Asia
This study investigates traditional fire management practices used by Indigenous communities across Asia and their potential to enhance modern climate resilience strategies. By documenting ecological knowledge passed down through generations, the research emphasizes how culturally rooted fire stewardship can inform sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation efforts.
Status: Manuscript in preparation
🔹 Fatema, N., Miah, M. D. (2022)
Cross Elasticity of Demand for Wooden Furniture – Chittagong, Bangladesh
This study examines the cross elasticity of demand for wooden furniture in Chittagong, revealing that alternative products are not strong substitutes. Based on data from 150 households, findings show that wooden furniture is often treated as a necessary or even luxury good, particularly among homeowners. The results offer insights for furniture market development in urban Bangladesh.
🔹 Ryder, S. et al., including Fatema, N. (2024)
Understanding Socio-environmental Concerns about Bear Lake
A community-engaged study exploring local environmental challenges.
🔹 United Nations World Food Programme (2019–2023)
Technical Reports and Market Analysis – Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Led and contributed to data collection, market analysis, and reporting during emergency operations. Developed mobile Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (mVAM) systems for real-time food security monitoring.
See details: UN News Story
Invited & Conference Talks
Invited & Conference Talks
Humanitarian Data Lessons for Academia
Humanitarian Data Lessons for Academia
At the American Sociological Association (ASA) annual meeting, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop titled "Remote Data Mastery: Elevating Collection Strategies" in Montréal, Canada. This session drew from my real-world experience with the United Nations World Food Programme in Cox’s Bazar, where I launched the Mobile Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (mVAM) system.
In the workshop, I shared how we transitioned large-scale surveys into remote data collection during challenging field conditions — from selecting the right technology and tools to training teams for accuracy, confidentiality, and security. The session was well received, attracting both graduate students and professors who engaged deeply with the discussion and asked insightful questions.
10th Annual Sociology of Development Conference, Johns Hopkins University
10th Annual Sociology of Development Conference, Johns Hopkins University
I had the privilege of presenting my research, at the 10th Annual Sociology of Development Conference (October 18–20, 2024), hosted at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme, “Solving Global Poverty,” brought together leading scholars and practitioners to share innovative approaches to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges.
It was an incredible opportunity to engage with experts, exchange ideas, and contribute to discussions on resilience, environmental justice, and community empowerment.
Presenting at the PSA Conference 2024 – San Diego, California
Presenting at the PSA Conference 2024 – San Diego, California
A proud moment presenting my research at the Pacific Sociological Association (PSA) Conference 2024 in San Diego, California. My session focused on vulnerable refugee communities, highlighting safety concerns, accessibility challenges, and the urgent need for gender-sensitive facilities. I was deeply appreciative of the warm feedback and recognition from fellow researchers and practitioners, which reinforced the importance of bringing these voices and issues to the forefront of policy and humanitarian discussions.
Presenting and Leading at the ASA
Presenting and Leading at the ASA
I had the incredible opportunity to present my research and lead a workshop at the 119th American Sociological Association (ASA) Annual Meeting in Montréal, Canada, 2024. This most prestigious international meeting brought together scholars from across the world, and it was an exciting opportunity to visit a different country, exchange ideas, and connect with international scholars.
I am deeply honoured to have also received a Travel Award from the American Sociological Association, which made this experience possible.
The International Women’s Leadership Summit, Johns Hopkins
The International Women’s Leadership Summit, Johns Hopkins
In October 2024, I attended the International Women’s Leadership Summit at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., under the theme “Envisioning a Just World.” This inspiring event brought together leaders, academics, and policy experts from institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Brookings Institution, and Johns Hopkins University to discuss global justice, equity, and leadership.
For me, it was truly inspiring to be in a space filled with such powerful voices and visionary ideas. It strengthened my determination to continue working toward social justice, equity, and community empowerment on a global scale.
Reframing FFA–DRR Strategy: Strengthening Community Resilience
Reframing FFA–DRR Strategy: Strengthening Community Resilience
On November 27, 2019, I participated in a key strategic workshop held at the Best Western Heritage in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, jointly organized by the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The session focused on reframing the Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) – Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategy to better support vulnerable communities in building resilience against disasters and climate-related shocks.
My involvement centered on bringing field-level perspectives into the discussion—ensuring that the voices and needs of communities most at risk were represented in policy and strategy updates. This initiative was vital in aligning national DRR strategies with practical, ground-level realities, ultimately aiming to strengthen food security, livelihood opportunities, and climate resilience for affected populations.
National UN WFP Strategy and Innovation Meeting
National UN WFP Strategy and Innovation Meeting
This was a significant gathering where UN World Food Programme staff from across Bangladesh came together to focus on data-driven strategies. We discussed our Mobile Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (mVAM) initiatives, alongside other UN priorities, with the goal of making our operations more strategic and effective.
A key part of the discussion centred on improving remote data collection strategies, an area I particularly emphasised. We explored how innovative methods and technology can strengthen our ability to collect timely, accurate information even from the most hard-to-reach areas to better inform humanitarian responses now and in the future.
Lastly, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues nationwide, share experiences, and align our efforts toward a more impactful humanitarian response.
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