Haanya Ijaz

Fulbright/University of Edinburgh Award

Haanya Ijaz is a graduating senior at The Ohio State University, majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in History. Her academic path is at the intersection of science and the humanities. At OSU, Haanya conducted research under Dr. Ruth Barrientos, a behavioral neuroscientist studying the role of neuroinflammation in age-related cognitive impairments. In the realm of public health, she also contributed to the Columbus Muslim Mental Health Project with Dr. Hyder, focusing on faith-based approaches to mental wellness Beyond the lab, Haanya served as President of the Muslim Students Association, leading a 5,000+ member community in faith-based advocacy, service, and leadership.

She co-founded Nasiha, an initiative focused on Muslim mental health education and outreach, and interned at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with Dr. Bushra Sabri, supporting research on intimate partner violence and trauma-informed care. In the community, her service includes work with CRIS-Ohio working with an Afghan family as a translator and community connector, a weekly volunteer at My Family Pantry, and the Noor Community Clinic.

Inspired by medical humanities, she is drawn to the stories patients carry, the moral and emotional demands of caregiving, and the complex human terrain that lies beyond a diagnosis. Through the Fulbright UK Award in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Haanya seeks to explore the historical and contemporary intersections of Islamic thought, community health, and cultural resilience. She aims to bridge her scientific background with a deeper understanding of the cultural frameworks that shape Muslim experiences of wellness and care.