Assistant Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences); Director of Research and Evaluation, Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE); Co-director, Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center
Nutrition, Exercise and Health Behavior Promotion
Healthy eating and being physically active are critical behaviors to prevent and treat numerous diseases including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The prevalence of obesity in the United States and globally has significantly increased over the past three decades. Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer, where it is quickly overtaking tobacco as the leading preventable cause of cancer. The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences brings together faculty, researchers, and students to conduct innovative research that involves intervening in our community (Ickovics, Pérez-Escamilla, White, Duffany) and diabetes (Pérez-Escamilla) in domestic and global (Pérez-Escamilla) contexts. Using the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI) and Yale Cancer Center (YCC) services and resources, the goals of our studies are to conduct transdisciplinary research and initiatives that translate evidence-based findings from the lab to the clinic and community.
Faculty of Interest
Samuel and Liselotte Herman Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health; Dean of Faculty, Yale-NUS College; Director, Program on Climate Change and Urban Health; Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health
Research Interests- Chronic Disease
- Community Health Services
- Epidemiology
- Pregnancy
- Prenatal Care
- Obesity
- Urban Health
Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences); Director, Office of Public Health Practice; Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Director, YSPH Global Health Concentration; Director, Maternal and Child Health Promotion (MCHP) Program
Research Interests- Breast Feeding
- Child Care
- Child Development
- Community Health Workers
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Food Deprivation
- Hypertension
- Maternal Health Services
- Maternal-Child Health Centers
- Mental Health
- Nutrition Surveys
- Obesity
- Global Health
- Healthcare Disparities
Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences); Director of Online Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences; Professor, Social and Behavioral Sciences; Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Professor, Psychiatry
Research Interests- Feeding and Eating Disorders
- Obesity
- Psychometrics
- Tobacco Use Disorder
Centers and other resources
- Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly (BBF): A Guide to Global Scale UpThis evidence-informed initiative is designed to help countries identify the strength of their breastfeeding-friendly environment and to improve breastfeeding policies and programs.
- Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research (CNE2)CNE2 is comprised of researchers across Yale schools who have common and complementary research and methodological interests in clinical neurological research.
- Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE)CARE promotes the prevention of chronic diseases by focusing on social, environmental, and behavioral risk factors.
- Samoan Obesity, lifestyle and Genetic Adaptations Study Group (OLAGA)OLAGA study group aims to understand the origins of obesity among Samoans and other Pacific Islanders to develop relevant interventions to reduce obesity and obesity-related conditions.
- Yale Cancer Center (YCC)The Center provides the best approaches for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
- Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (PRC)The PRC works with community partners to develop and implement community-based approaches to prevent and control chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH)YIGH serves as the focal point for research, education, and engagement with global partners to improve the health of individuals and populations worldwide.