Gashaye Melaku Tefera

Dr. Gashaye Melaku Tefera is an Assistant Professor whose work focuses on healthcare access, health disparities, and mental health among immigrants, refugees, internally displaced people, international students, Indigenous populations, and other underserved communities. He explores the social determinants of health as well as the barriers and facilitators that impact healthcare access. His research aims to develop evidence-based, contextually relevant interventions that enhance healthcare access and utilization while promoting mental well-being. Dr. Tefera is deeply committed to international social work research and education that advances global health and facilitates the exchange of best practices across countries. His international experience spans three continents—Africa, Europe, and North America—bringing a unique global perspective to his work.

Download Full Curriculum Vitae

AREAS OF FOCUS

• Health Disparities
• Access to Healthcare
• Human Rights
• Immigrant Health and Well-being
• Older Adults and Disadvantaged Populations

EDUCATION

• PhD, 2023, University of Missouri, Social Work
• MA, 2018, University of Lincoln/Aalborg University/University of Lisbon/University of Warsaw/University of Paris, Advanced Development in Social Work
• MSW, 2010, Addis Ababa University, Social Work,
• BA, University of Gondar, Sociology

SELECTED PEER REVIEW ARTICLES AND PUBLICATIONS

Tefera, G.M. (2024) Understanding access and utilization of healthcare services among African immigrant women in the United States: The application of Health Belief Model. Applied Research in Quality of Life

Tefera, G.M., Onyeaka, K., Conteh, N., David, I., Kehinde, O., Harvey, I.S. & Majee, W. (2023). COVID-19 and student life: Experiences and Perceptions of African international students – an Ubuntu and resilience perspective. Journal of International Students.

Tefera, G.M., Lembani, M., David, I. & Majee, W. (2023) COVID-19 and Migrant Coping Strategies: A Person in Environment Perspective on Experiences of Malawian Migrants Living in South Africa. Journal of Social Service Research

Tefera, G.M. (2022). Toward culturally relevant practice: Combating gender-based violence among refugees in Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work. 1-12

Tefera, G.M. & Yu, M. (2022). Immigrant women’s access to healthcare services: A qualitative meta-synthesis. Journal of Social Service Research.