Dr. Hefni is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She specializes in public health, health education, and nutrition. Hefni’s work focuses on improving mental and physical wellbeing, with particular interest in social and behavioral theories, social cognitive theory, and health behavior change within communities.
Her experience includes teaching, research, academic counseling, and student mentorship at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, contributing to enhanced student development and wellbeing. She has also worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Chichester on the SBS Project, supporting initiatives that promote social participation and healthier lifestyles.
In teaching, Hefni emphasizes a student-centered and interactive approach and aims to help students develop critical thinking, practical skills, and a sense of social responsibility. She integrates applied learning strategies to connect theory with real-world practice.
Currently, Hefni is engaged in promoting health awareness and advancing research in community wellbeing. She is interested in developing effective strategies to improve quality of life and support the preparation of future leaders who can positively impact public health and society in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
PhD in Public Health/Nutrition, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom, 2017
MSc in Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom, 2012
BSc in Chemistry, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, 2007
Hefni, D. (2026). Bio-based and biodegradable polymers. Book chapter, Elsevier.
Hefni, D. (2026). Artificial intelligence in food systems: Catalyzing a sociotechnological transformation. ICSETI Conference, Noida, India.
Mir, M. A., Hefni, D., & Chauhan, N. (2025). Heritage to health: The socio-cultural and health impacts of traditional ethnic foods in Saudi Arabian society. Food Chemistry Advances, 6, 100927.
Hefni, D. (2025). A holistic, multidisciplinary, systematic, and forward-thinking strategy for sustainable food systems. NITTE-BIO Conference, Karnataka, India.
Hefni, D. (2024). A holistic, multidisciplinary, systematic, and forward-thinking strategy for sustainable food systems.
Mir, M. A., Chang, S. K., & Hefni, D. (2024). A comprehensive, multidisciplinary, systematic, and futuristic approach to sustainable food systems. International Conference on Modern Practices, 365–373.
Hefni, D. (2017). Assessing the effectiveness of an obesity-prevention intervention to improve healthy lifestyle among Saudi school girls aged 9 to 16. PQDT-UK & Ireland.
Senior Education Consultant, United Kingdom Education Centre, Manchester, UK, 2020–2023
Research Assistant, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK, 2020–2021
International Education Consultant, SIUK Manchester, Manchester, UK, 2018–2020
PhD Tutor & Cover Teacher, Almanar Schools, Manchester, UK, 2017–2018
Physical Education I: Active Living Lifestyle
Physical Education II: Healthy Behavior & Management
childhood obesity, obesity prevention, school intervention, community health and awareness, behavioural changes theories, the impact of social media on human behaviours, healthy eating habits.
