About Me

Health Innovation & Technology Professor, Digital Strategist, and Researcher

Hajar Shirley, MS, ABD

Hajar Shirley is an experienced health care technology leader, researcher, and educator with a demonstrated track record of delivering strategic efforts in both health care and higher education industries. As the former Global Head of LifeScan Commercial Technology at Johnson & Johnson, Hajar Shirley led global efforts centered around strengthening Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Care Companies’ (Lifescan, Animas, and Calibra) global reach via delivery of patient-centered initiatives, new digital business development, and expansion of the OneTouch megabrand to new and emerging markets. In addition, Hajar held a variety of leadership roles across Information Technology spanning across Commercial, Supply Chain, Research & Development, Regulatory Affairs, and Information Security during her tenure at Johnson and Johnson.

With a passion for developing leaders in healthcare technology and innovation, Hajar has spearheaded numerous educational initiatives centered on the development of experiential learning opportunities that upskill students for future global health challenges and business demands. She most recently designed the Health Innovation and Technology Capstone experience at the Rutgers – School of Communication and Information. As a researcher, Hajar has forged new partnerships with the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, the Rutgers Institute for Health, and the Global Health Institute.

Hajar also serves as the Founder and Research Director at inclusive Health Innovation Together (iHIT) – a global firm dedicated to advancing health equity for all. iHIT most recently completed an impactful Vaccines Equity Project with clients and partners at Merck.

Hajar is a Doctoral Candidate Rutgers -School of Communication & Information at Rutgers, where she is advancing health and education equity research aimed at developing innovative university-corporate models toward development of future fit, responsive organizations. Hajar has a BS and MS in Computer Science, in addition to a MS in Management. She completed the Smith College –Leadership Edge program while at Johnson & Johnson. In 2015, she had the opportunity to also attain a certificate from Babson College on Technology Innovation. In 2016 she completed a certificate in Global Marketing Management at Wharton –UPENN. In addition, she has trained at the Stanford d.school Teaching and Learning Studio in design thinking, systems thinking, and innovation in education.