My name is Sabena Abdul Raheem. I am a Phd Candidate (ABD) in Mass Communication at the University of Iowa, School of Journalism and Mass Communication. My research examines how digital technologies from social media platforms, to software applications and AI-generated content shape health communication, risk communication, identity, and power for especially communities often overlooked in mainstream media research. I am dedicated to exploring persuasive framing and the persuasive effects of digital media on health behaviors, as well as audience understanding and responses to privacy and surveillance in these technologies. My dissertation, supported by a $25,000 fellowship from AAUW, uses a mixed-method approach to investigate Femtech trailability among Ghanaian Muslim women and their perceptions of its Privacy and Surveillance conditions.

My work combines qualitative methods, including critical discourse and framing analysis, with emerging computational approaches to study both the creators of health/ risk information and the audiences who engage with it.

In addition to my research, I have taught several advertising and public relations classes, including Media Effects, Social Media Foundations, and Strategic Communication. I bring my experience as a content creator into the classroom, focusing on digital analytics and content strategy. I am passionate about mentoring students and helping them achieve their best potential by cultivating research skills and knowledge of digital environments.