Actor and development professional Rafiath Rashid Mithila has joined Columbia University as an Associate Research Scientist and begun teaching at the City University of New York (CUNY), following the conclusion of her long association with BRAC.

Mithila shared details of her new professional journey in a social media post, saying she spent two decades with BRAC, including 15 years working in international development with BRAC International.

She has joined Columbia University’s Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research as an Associate Research Scientist. In the role, she will lead the design and evaluation of the New York-based Early Childhood and Family Hub initiative.

The initiative will focus on early childhood development, family engagement and community health, connecting children from birth to five years old and their families with necessary resources, services and supportive environments.

Drawing on her experience in international development, Mithila said she hopes to align research objectives with the needs of local communities and contribute to developing effective programmes informed by research and evidence.

Alongside her role at Columbia University, Mithila has begun teaching at CUNY as an Adjunct Assistant Professor. She will teach Nonprofit Management, introducing students to the practical workings and experiences of nonprofit organisations.

Mithila also expressed gratitude to BRAC, saying the organisation played an important role in shaping her professional journey over the years.

She described the opportunity to work within Columbia University’s research environment and alongside its researchers as a chance to further enrich her experience.

Concluding her post, Mithila asked for everyone’s prayers as she begins this new chapter of her professional journey.