Join us as we welcome four candidates for a new Assistant Professor position focused on health disparities research.

Please join us for the third candidate's talk (45 minutes plus 15 minutes of discussion)

Kristen Cooksey-Stowers (Post-Doctoral Research Associate, UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity)

"Tackling Social Determinants of Health Inequities through Policy & Community-Engaged Research" Equitable distribution of health-promoting resources and community engagement efforts are critical components of achieving greater health equity in the United States. In her presentation, Dr. Cooksey-Stowers will provide an overview of her research on reducing inequities in diet-related health outcomes by improving food access through policy, systems and environmental (PSE) strategies. In particular, she will discuss her community-engaged and mixed methods research to demonstrate that: 1) addressing food swamps (i.e., areas inundated by unhealthy food retail) is essential to reducing disparities in diet-related health outcomes; 2) tailoring health communication efforts can improve resident engagement in policy processes; 3) using community-engaged research approaches can improve the efficacy and sustainability of diet-related health interventions in food pantry settings, and 4) integrating health systems and the emergency food system through PSE approaches may mitigate health risks in food-insecure populations. Throughout her talk, she will discuss ways that she has collaborated with policymakers, community partners, and students to design studies and disseminate findings. Dr. Cooksey-Stowers will conclude by discussing future research directions, collaboration interests, and opportunities for students.