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Policy, Community, Food Systems & Health

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Our research in this field focuses on assessing the influence of policies, programs, and social and built environments, including food systems, on aspects like food security, dietary habits, physical activity, and overall health. Our researchers delve into the intricate relationship between policy decisions and the values, missions, and resources of community settings, with the aim of informing and shaping policies and practices that promote healthier living environments and more resilient food systems.

Areas of Interest

  • Behavioral economics
  • Community food systems
  • Dissemination and Implementation Science
  • Food and beverage marketing to children
  • Food-based dietary guidelines to support sustainable diets
  • Food and nutrition policy 
  • Food security and food safety
  • Food systems governance
  • Health disparities/health equity
  • Nutrition education
  • Nutrition food assistance
  • Social determinants of health
  • Sustainable diets and food systems under a changing climate

Faculty

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    Samantha Harden, PhD, 500 RYT , bio

    Associate Professor: Yoga as an affordable, accessible public health practice; dissemination and implementation science; group dynamics for long-term health behaviors

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    Young H. Ju, PhD , bio

    Associate Professor: Effects of functional food and supplements on chronic disease; effects of integrative health on health

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    Vivica I. Kraak, MS, PhD, RDN , bio

    Associate Professor: U.S. and global food and nutrition policy; public health; governance for sustainable diets and food systems; food and beverage marketing

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    Sarah Misyak, PhD, MPH , bio

    Research Assistant Professor and Assistant Director and Program Manager for Research and Evaluation for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Family Nutrition Program (EFNEP and SNAP-Ed): Food Access; food and nutrition security; public health nutrition; program evaluation; health disparities

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    Carlin Rafie, PhD, MS, RD , bio

    Assistant Professor and Senior Extension Specialist: Community based participatory methods for evaluation of community health knowledge, resources, and needs; development, dissemination and implementation of lifestyle management programs

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    Elena Serrano, MS, PhD , bio

    Professor, Extension Specialist, and Director of the Virginia Family Nutrition Program: Effectiveness of food and nutrition programs and initiatives to promote nutrition security; examination of contributors to food and nutrition security

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    A Virginia Tech HNFE faculty member stands outside for a photo.
    Jeff Stein, PhD , bio

    Assistant Professor: Type 2 diabetes management; obesity; health behavior; tobacco use; decision-making; behavioral economics