Bangladeshi actress and development professional Rafiah Rashid Mithila has joined Columbia University’s Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research as an Associate Research Scientist, the actress announced on October 1. In her new role, Mithila will oversee and support the design and evaluation of the Early Childhood and Family Hub, a New York-based initiative aimed at promoting early childhood development, family engagement, and community health.

The program focuses on connecting children from birth to age five and their families with resources and supportive environments that foster healthy growth and well-being. Mithila intends to leverage her extensive background in global development to align community needs with research objectives, generating data to inform evidence-based interventions within the initiative.

In addition to her research responsibilities at Columbia University, Mithila has been appointed as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the City University of New York (CUNY). There, she will teach nonprofit management courses, offering students practical insights and experience related to the nonprofit sector.

Mithila currently leads the Department of Early Childhood Development at BRAC International, where she has spent two decades, including 15 years working in international development roles. She expressed appreciation for BRAC’s influence on her career development.

Alongside her work in research and development, Mithila has maintained a longstanding career in acting, spanning nearly two decades. She received the Maitreyee Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Mayaa at the Telangana Bengali Film Festival.