General Information
Biography
Dr. Sofia Jawed-Wessel teaches and generates new knowledge in the area of public health through scientific studies. She is a Professor in the School of Health & Kinesiology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and she is the Co-Director of the Midlands Sexual Health Research Collaborative. Dr. Jawed-Wessel also holds a joint appointment with the Women and Gender Studies program at UNO and a courtesy appointment in the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Teaching Interests
Dr. Jawed-Wessel's teachings utilize a sex-positive and pleasure inclusive approach to providing medically accurate, comprehensive sexuality education to undergraduate students as well as in the local Omaha community. She also teaches graduate level courses such as Research Methods, Health Behavior Theory, and Leadership and Advocacy.
Research Interests
Her research focuses on understanding the sexual health of women and couples as they transition into parenthood by documenting sexual behaviors, sexual function, relationship adjustment, and sexual changes during pregnancy and after childbirth. The long-term goal of her research trajectory is to understand how people's intimate relationships are impacted by sexual and maternal objectification.
Service Summary
Dr. Jawed-Wessel is an active member of the Omaha community and has several research and service partnerships with various community based organizations. Dr. Jawed-Wessel is a social justice advocate and has provided expert testimony for the Nebraska Unicameral, the Nebraska School Board of Education, and the Omaha Public School Board of Education
Awards and Honors
Changemakers Fellow, Scholarship/Research - 2022
Faculty Excellence in Community Engagement, Service, Community - 2022
Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO!) - 2017
WCA Tribute to Woman Honoree - 2017
Outstanding Achievement Award - 2017
Mary Ann Lamanna Award for Excellence in Women and Gender Studies, Teaching - 2015