Saman Tahir

Saman is a Research Associate in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University, and also works as a Research Programs Officer in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto.

Educated at the United Arab Emirates University (B.Sc. in Nutritional Sciences) and Michigan State University (M.Sc. in Human Nutrition), Saman has built an international career spanning academia, non-profit, and policy organizations. Her work bridges research administration, program management, and knowledge translation to strengthen health and nutrition systems.

Her studies and professional projects focus on advancing equitable public health through grant development, large-scale program evaluation, and innovative digital health interventions. Of particular interest is the use of digital tools and curriculum-based interventions, such as Foodbot Factory, to improve nutrition knowledge and health outcomes among children and communities.

Saman is committed to ensuring that research findings reach policymakers, practitioners, and the public through accessible communication and inclusive engagement strategies. With experience spanning Canada, the U.S., and Pakistan, she has published in peer-reviewed journals including BMJ Open and Appetite and has contributed to global initiatives such as Punjab’s Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy (2022–2030) with UNICEF and PHC Global.