Seirah

Dr. Mohammed Alhajji

Researcher in Social & Behavioral Sciences

Director | Consultant | Researcher Towards Vision 2030

Contact Info

Saudi
Has Health Condition - Other

Skills

Strategic Research Leadership
Expert
Consumer & Visitor Insights Analysis
Expert
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Expert
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Expert
Cross-Cultural Team Leadership
Expert

Languages

Arabic Native
English Proficient

Links

Experience

17 / 11 / 2024 - Present

Director of Research, Ministry of Tourism

• Establishing a research center to provide leadership with evidence-based recommendations • Directing research projects, scientifically and administratively • Optimizing policies, programs, and initiatives through behavioral sciences
2020-11-1 - 2024-11-1

Director of the Behavioral Insights Unit (Nudge), Office of Assistant Minister, Ministry of Health

• Optimized campaigns and services to meaningfully influence awareness, acceptance & adoption • Developed and delivered strategic objectives • Formed partnership with international and regional organizations (World Bank and WHO) for capacity-building in behavioral sciences within the Ministry • Published peer-reviewed manuscripts on nudge interventions & behavioral economics
2023-4-1 - 2024-11-1

Director, Population Health Lab, Ministry of Health

• Established the first population health lab to use advance predictive models and technology • Managed lab’s activities to provide decision makers with clear assessments about supply and demand on the healthcare system based on national data
2021-8-1 - Present

Adjunct Professor, Alfaisal University

• Advising master's theses in the College of Medicine, Public Health • Conducting lectures
2020-8-1 - Present

Advisor, Public & Private Organizations

• Providing scientific and strategic consultations about topics related to society and end users • Ensuring quality of output from contracted consultancy projects as a senior SME
2020-7-1 - 2021-1-30

Scientific Advisor, Misk Foundation

• Performed extensive appraisals of research-driven projects and provided professional opinion to various cross-functional working groups • Deliberated with contracted subject-matter experts and academic centers to ensure quality of outcomes
2015-8-20 - 2020-5-10

Researcher, Risk Communication Lab, Temple University

• Supported the development and implementation of federal and private grants on behavioral and social determinants of health to inform policies and to develop tailored public messages • Prepared research grants, collected and analyzed quantitative & qualitative data • Collaborated with external research entities to implement grants and projects • Authored and published manuscripts (references available upon request) • Supervised interns and undergraduates to maintain rigorous research activities

Education

2020-5-10

PhD in Social & Behavioral Sciences Phd - Temple University, USA - GPA: 3.9/4

• Dissertation: Analyzing the behavioral and social determinants of family marriages in Saudi Arabia to inform policymakers and to design targeted media campaigns • 11 Academic awards for research • Member in the Society of Behavioral Medicine (2020's Recipient of the Best Student Abstract Award)
15 / 12 / 2013

Master of Public Health, MPH Master - University of South Florida, USA - GPA: 3.7/4

15 / 12 / 2010

Bachelor in Biomedical Science, BS Bachelor - Colorado State University, USA - GPA: 3.7/4

• 4 Awards for academic excellence • Listed twice in the Dean's List • College representative to the Student Government

Courses

2025-9-15

Program for Strengthening Governance Capacities The National Academy of Governance in China

• Completed a two-week executive program focusing on public sector governance models and institutional frameworks. • Gained first-hand insights into Chinese governance practices, policy implementation mechanisms, and their relevance for public administration and reform.
2021-11-1

Masterclass in Behavioural Insights & Nudging The Applied Behavioural Science Centre, Denmark

Thoughtful and rigorous implementation of nudging techniques & frameworks
2021-6-20

Designing Nudges Impactually Co., Sweden

Step-by-step nudge design with an evidence-based framework
2021-6-10

Skilled Speakers Center for Government Communication, Ministry of Media

Intensive course (60 hours) on mastering media appearances and press conferences
2020-7-10

Nudges and Behavioral Theories: Helping Governments, Private Sector, and NGOs Harvard Business Review

Trained to apply behavioral insights to drive changes in public sectors

Research Methods for Spirituality and Health Research Duke University, USA

Trained to conduct rigorous research in the field of spirituality/religiosity and public health

Classified and Registered Health Professional Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

 Registration #: 20230441

Psychological First Aid Temple University

Trained in the evidence-informed approach to help children, adolescents, adults, and families in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt University of South Florida

Trained to utilize Six Sigma methodologies for implementing and sustaining high-impact projects

American Board for Public Health Professionals The National Board of Public Health Examiners

Human Factors Certificate The American Federal Aviation Administration

Trained to identify the human causes of accidents and to offer tools for analysis as a way to plan preventive training

OSHA 30-hour General Industry Training Course University of South Florida

Trained in the main principles of occupational safety and health adminisration to esnure a safe working space

Organizational Leadership Certificate Colorado State University

Trained to apply leadership skills in professional settings

Leadership Skills and Professional Enhancement Certificate Colorado State University

Trained to acquire the major skills required for professional advancement

Achievements

Published and presented 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts

• Published and presented in first-tier, peer-reviewed journals and conferences, such as the American Public Health Association and the Society of Behavioral Medicine (references available upon request)

Al-Qassim Award for Media Excellence

Volunteered for over 1000 hours in different projects such as:

• Saudis in the US • Emergency departments at several hospitals (Colorado) • Eye clinics to screen school children (Colorado) • Little Shop of Physics and Chemistry Club to demonstrate scientific experiments for children (Colorado) • Association for Student Activity Programming (Colorado) • Food bank (Florida) • Entajopedia, founder, to enrich Arabic content in Wikipedia • “Muhammad: Prophet of Mercy”, PR director, to interfaith dialogues • Collected more than 1,500 signatures from stakeholders in Alahsa to support the enforcement of the first-ever national premarital screening program

Participant at high-profile international events such as:

• Riyadh International Bookfair • Roads to wise decision-making (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) • Committee of Choosing Wisely (Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia) • Conference on best practices to conquer COVID-19 crisis (Dubai Government Excellence Program) • The Youth Peace Making Forum (the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain) • The Responisble Leaders Summit at the United Nations hosted by The Muslim World League • The Youth Assembly at the United Nations • The Global Youth Peace Dialogue by Fasilah in Washington DC

Podcast Adam with Thmanyah on everyday psychology and sociology

Editor-in-chief for a podcast that is ranked among the top programs according to Apple

Columnist in Makka Newspaper on sociological and psychological subjects

Simplify scientific content for the general public using relevant topics

Guest at various TV shows and media outlets to comment on social issues

Frequently hosted in public media, television and newspapers (e.g., MBC), to offer expert opinion on social issues

References

References Available Upon Request