Amir Karimi

Professor Karimi’s research is positioned at the intersection of not-for-profit and humanitarian operations, socially responsible operations, and healthcare supply chains. Particularly, his research focuses on health commodity delivery (e.g., contraceptives, antiretrovirals) in developing countries where stock-outs at last-mile health facilities are widespread and frequent due to resource constraints. For individuals who are deprived access to basic health commodities due to stock-outs, the consequences can be dire. For example, without reliable access to contraceptives, women may suffer unintended pregnancies, imposing economic and psychological burden, and unsafe abortions that often cause death. HIV patients unable to obtain antiretrovirals may face delays in treatment initiation and interruptions during the treatment process, subsequently increasing the risk of viral resistance, treatment failure and mortality.

Focusing on this context, Professor Karimi’s research aims to:

(i) Empirically evaluate and uncover the factors that contribute to health commodity stock-outs in developing countries by leveraging field data and using a combination of rigorous econometric and predictive modeling techniques.

(ii) Generate actionable insights that public health organizations, governments, and donors can use to mitigate the risk of stock-outs in developing countries.

Professor Karimi has a Ph.D. in supply chain and operations from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in production and operations management from University of Tehran, and a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Shiraz University.