Nalini Ranjit, PhD
Associate Professor, Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences
[email protected]
Dr. Ranjit’s research interests span two broad areas: social and behavioral epidemiology, and design and evaluation of behavioral interventions. Her work in social and behavioral epidemiology includes several highly cited studies examining environmental, socioeconomic, racial /ethnic, psychosocial factors and behavioral factors associated with disparities in a variety of population health outcomes, including chronic disease biomarkers, health risk behaviors, obesity, and mortality. Her second broad area of research, the design and evaluation of behavioral interventions, is focused on detailed evaluation of effectiveness of interventions, by decomposing the effects of multi-component interventions, and identifying why some subpopulations and some behavioral outcomes appear especially susceptible to the effect of particular interventions. In both areas of research, her work is informed by an explicit focus on quantitative methodologies and an examination of mechanisms underlying social disparities in health.
Her current projects include SNAP-Ed Evaluation project, a project to implement effective evaluation practices across all SNAP-Ed implementing Agencies in Texas, and multiple AHA-funded projects examining implementation and outcome of Food Prescription programs targeting pregnant or post-partum women. Other current and recent projects include a state-wide school surveillance project of obesity and its behavioral correlates; a community randomized trial evaluating the importance of technical assistance in supporting community coalition initiatives to reduce tobacco use; and evaluation of state policies to support mental health treatment and management among school children in Texas. Dr. Ranjit has also served as Director of the Data Core, an initiative designed to support and maintain a high level of excellence and productivity in research activity at the Center. In this capacity, she provides research guidance to doctoral and post-doctoral students in Austin. She also regularly teaches doctoral level courses on Research Design and Analysis, and Program Evaluation.
