PhD Candidate
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hadeel Alghanim is a PhD candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a strong background in physical and occupational therapy. Her research explores the intersection of psychological health and physical activity within rehabilitation, with a focus on how factors such as depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing influence recovery, function, and quality of life. She is particularly interested in advancing the use of both device-based and self-reported measures of activity to capture the holistic picture of patient experience and outcomes.
As an occupational therapist and rehabilitation scientist, Hadeel is passionate about bridging the gap between mental health and physical recovery. Her work advocates for holistic, patient-centered care that integrates psychological and behavioral screening into rehabilitation pathways. She believes that addressing both the mind and body is key to improving health, independence, and participation in meaningful daily life roles.
Beyond research, Hadeel is an active mental health advocate, serving on advisory boards and participating in initiatives that promote student well-being and global mental health awareness. She aspires to build rehabilitation models that not only restore physical function but also empower individuals to thrive mentally, socially, and emotionally.