Faculty & Staff

Kamal Eldeirawi, PhD

Assistant Professor
Department of Health Systems Science

NURS 1054
UIC College of Nursing
845 South Damen Avenue (MC 802)
Chicago, IL 60612-7350

Phone: 312.413.9792
Email: keldei1@uic.edu

Research / Discovery
Dr. Eldeirawi's research focuses on how diet, lifestyle, and other environmental factors change by migration and acculturation and the effects of these changes on the risk of asthma, obesity, and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in children. Findings of his investigations highlight the differences in the risk of asthma and other atopic conditions between Mexico-born and US-born Mexican American children. His research also examines other factors related to asthma in children including early childhood infections, antibiotic use, and breastfeeding. An article based on his research gained wide national and international recognition as well as broad media coverage. Currently, he is in the design phase of other studies relating to asthma, diet, immigration, and obesity.

Teaching / Learning
Dr. Eldeirawi's teaching experience encompasses several years of teaching undergraduate as well as graduate students. He teaches basic and advanced epidemiology courses. He enjoys teaching and finds working with mature and experienced professionals, especially on an individual basis, very rewarding and satisfying.

Service / Practice
For almost 8 years, Dr. Eldeirawi directed a community-based project, the Chicago Asthma School Study (CASS), which identifies children with asthma in selected Chicago schools and facilitates their access to quality and ongoing health care with the overall goal of reducing the burden of asthma and/or respiratory conditions on Chicago children, families, and communities. CASS has collaborated with and became an integral partner in Controlling Asthma in American Cities Project; a 5 million dollar, 7 city project funded by the CDC. CASS has also worked extensively with school nurses and staff, the Mobile CARE Foundation, the American Lung Association, and other community organizations and stakeholders.

Personal
Dr. Eldeirawi and his wife have 3 children- ages 7 months to 4 ½ years. He enjoys reading, meditating, spending time with family and friends. He exercises occasionally.