Shikha Puri

Driven by a passion to shift from one-on-one treatment to large-scale public health impact, Shikha has led and contributed to a wide range of research initiatives focused on children, older adults, and underserved communities. Her work spans topics including oral health needs assessments, career satisfaction among dental professionals, and broader public health concerns such as HIV, substance use, and mental health. She has also worked on federally funded programs through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with a focus on Native American and Alaskan Native populations.

Shikha’s research portfolio includes data-driven policy recommendations, program evaluations, and sustainable community health strategies. She has engaged directly with stakeholders and community-based programs to develop interventions that not only close gaps in care but also drive lasting change. In addition to her research, she has played key roles in program development and implementation, ensuring that public health policies translate into meaningful, real-world outcomes.

An accomplished communicator, Shikha has presented her work at national conferences and authored publications in respected journals. She excels at translating complex scientific findings into accessible, actionable insights—an approach that resonates deeply with diverse audiences.

As part of SleepAwarenessMonth, Shikha is currently developing a thoughtful, evidence-based presentation on the importance of sleep. Aimed at students and the general public, her talk explores the science of sleep stages, shares recent research, and offers practical, research-backed advice for improving sleep quality. Her work has already inspired a wealth of compelling social media ideas and is helping shape how we communicate about sleep in ways that are clear, credible, and deeply impactful.