Dr. Parisa Tehranifar

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Parisa Tehranifar. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Parisa Tehranifar is a cancer epidemiologist with expertise in sociomedical sciences and implementation science. She aims to reduce the cancer burden among populations facing health disparities due to structural barriers. Her research focus includes understanding social determinants of cancer risk and chronic disease outcomes, optimizing equitable cancer prevention and screening, and addressing disparities in the benefits and harms of emerging interventions. Dr. Tehranifar prioritizes community perspectives and participatory approaches in cancer control. She leads several funded projects focused on breast cancer risk stratification, screening, and reducing chronic disease risk factors. As the Director of the DrPH program in Epidemiology, she teaches applied data analysis and serves as Co-Director of the Community Outreach Engagement Office at the Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her ongoing research includes studying mammographic density and its implications for breast cancer screening, as well as community health initiatives aimed at mitigating health disparities in New York City.

Research Interests

Requirements for Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Reading
Required:25
Writing
Required:25
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution One semester of college-level mathematics (Algebra or above) One semester of introductory Biology Evidence of quantitative and analytical ability
Application Checklist
  • SOPHAS Online Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • Personal Statement (500-1000 words)
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Quantitative & Analytical Assessment
Specialization Notes

Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (MS) options available. GRE is optional for Fall 2026.