
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, MPH
Titles
Education
Summary
My research focuses on the prevention and reduction of weight-related problems, including obesity, poor dietary intake, inadequate physical activity, disordered eating behaviors, and body dissatisfaction. My qualitative, epidemiological, and intervention research has primarily focused on young people from ethnically/racially diverse and low-income backgrounds. As the Principal Investigator for the Project EAT studies, I lead a team of researchers who have greatly contributed to what we know about eating and weight-related problems in young people. More recently, I have begun to explore the potential for using yoga as a tool for addressing weight-related problems.
As Head of the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health I have overall responsibility for ensuring that our faculty are engaging in state-of-the art research that is highly relevant in terms of addressing important public health concerns. Additionally, I am responsible for ensuring that our various training programs prepare our students to go out into the world with the skills and the passion to meet the health needs of the public. In the division, we are dedicated to ensuring that our research is being translated into action, and that our teaching program is highly relevant and applicable, in order to ensure that we are building a healthier future for all.
Expertise
Awards and Recognition
- McKnight Presidential Professorship, University of Minnesota, 2020
- Award in Clinical, Administrative, or Education Service, Academy for Eating Disorders, 2019
- NIH Outstanding Investigator, 2018
- Member, AHC Academy for Excellence in Health Research, 2017
- Member, Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health
- Mayo Professor of Public Health, School of Public Health, 2016
- Thompson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher, 2014
- Leonard M. Schuman Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, 2012
- Leadership Award in Research: Academy for Eating Disorders, 2010
- Distinguished Women Scholars Award in Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts: University of Minnesota, 2009