Departmental Affiliations
Affiliated
Center & Institute Affiliations
Alyssa Moran, ScD, MPH, RD, researches public policies to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable food systems.
Experiences & Accomplishments
Education
ScD
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
2018
MPH
New York University
2011
BA
Washington University in St. Louis
2008
Overview
My research centers on the identification and adoption of effective public health policies to promote healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems. Whenever possible, I partner with government agencies, healthcare providers, and food retailers to answer meaningful questions that fill research gaps and improve prevention programs and policies. I use qualitative and epidemiologic methods, natural experiments, and randomized controlled trials to investigate the effects of food policies on the food environment and public health. I have done work on food and beverage marketing, food labeling, institutional food procurement policies, nutrition incentives, and reformulation of packaged and restaurant foods. I am also interested in the combined effects of social policies, such as housing assistance and income support, on diet quality and preventative health behaviors. From 2012-2014 I was a Senior Nutrition Technical Advisor in the Nutrition Strategy Program at the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene. I also served one year as a technical advisor for the New York Academy of Medicine’s Advancing Prevention Project, and routinely advise on projects for New York City’s Food Policy Initiatives.
Honors & Awards
Best Research Article, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (2019)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Nutrition Training Grant (2016-2018)
Harvard College Certificate of Distinction in Teaching (2017)
The Obesity Society Ethan Sims Young Investigator Award Finalist (2017)
Barry R. & Irene Tilenius Bloom Fellowship (2017)
Berkowitz Fellowship in Public Health Nutrition (2015-2016)
Donald & Sue Pritzker Fellowship in Public Health Nutrition (2014-2017)
Simon J. & Arpi A. Simonian Research Excellence in Nutrition Prize (2014)
Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Student Scholarship (2010)
Ellen Gstalder Award for Community Service in Public Health Nutrition (2010)
Americorps Scholarship (2008)
Madagascar Community Development Fellowship (2008)
Bridging Foundation Fellowship in Japanese Studies (2007)
Freeman Foundation Visiting East Asian Professionals Award (2006)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Nutrition Training Grant (2016-2018)
Harvard College Certificate of Distinction in Teaching (2017)
The Obesity Society Ethan Sims Young Investigator Award Finalist (2017)
Barry R. & Irene Tilenius Bloom Fellowship (2017)
Berkowitz Fellowship in Public Health Nutrition (2015-2016)
Donald & Sue Pritzker Fellowship in Public Health Nutrition (2014-2017)
Simon J. & Arpi A. Simonian Research Excellence in Nutrition Prize (2014)
Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Student Scholarship (2010)
Ellen Gstalder Award for Community Service in Public Health Nutrition (2010)
Americorps Scholarship (2008)
Madagascar Community Development Fellowship (2008)
Bridging Foundation Fellowship in Japanese Studies (2007)
Freeman Foundation Visiting East Asian Professionals Award (2006)
Select Publications
Select publications:
- Moran A, Thorndike A, Franckle R, Boulos R, Dorah H, Fulay A, et al. Financial incentives increase purchases of fruit and vegetables among lower-income households with children. Health Aff (Millwood). 2019 Sep;38(9):1557-1566.
- Moran AJ, Roberto CA. Health warning labels correct parents' misperceptions about sugary drink options. Am J Prev Med. 2018 Aug;55(2):e19-e27.
- Moran AJ, Musicus A, Gorski Findling MT, Brissette IF, Lowenfels AA, Subramanian SV, Roberto CA. Increases in sugary drink marketing during Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit issuance in New York. Am J Prev Med. 2018 Jul;55(1):55-62.
- Moran A, Krepp EM, Johnson Curtis C, Lederer A. An intervention to increase availability of healthy foods and beverages in New York City hospitals: The Healthy Hospital Food Initiative, 2010-2014. Prev Chronic Dis. 2016 Jun 9;13:E77.
- Moran A, Lederer A, Johnson Curtis C. Use of nutrition standards to improve nutritional quality of hospital patient meals: findings from New York City's Healthy Hospital Food Initiative. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015 Nov;115(11):1847-54.
Projects
Evaluating a Healthy Restaurant Kids Meal Policy
Impacts of SNAP and Housing on Child Nutrition and Health
Assessing Online Food Retail Marketing Practices
National Salt and Sugar Reduction Initiative
New York City Food Standards