Faculty Spotlight: Lauren Au Associate Professor of Nutrition
Interests
Nutrition policy, dietary assessment, and obesity prevention.
Poverty and Inequality Research
I research ways to improve the nutritional quality of
the federal nutrition assistance programs, such as the
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
(WIC).
Recent Work
My
recent paper examined the relationship between
WIC participation and diet quality among young children,
contributing important evidence about the role of nutrition
assistance programs in supporting healthy eating and access to
nutritious foods.
This work was recently highlighted in a CPIR policy
brief. It also received an Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics award for
being a top publication in the field.
Current Projects
I just received an NIH R01 grant to examine the spillover effects
of Medicaid Expansion on children’s nutrition security. I’m
excited to learn how to apply rigorous econometric methods to
nutrition and public health-related questions.
How Do You Unwind?
You’ll often find me swimming in the pool or SF Bay. Fun fact:
I’ve completed the Triple Crown of open water swimming which
includes the English Channel (21 miles), Catalina Channel (21
miles), and Manhattan Island Marathon (28 miles). The last
two swims I did
pregnant.
Dr. Au’s research involves the assessment of dietary intakes and
the food environment for the prevention of obesity in low-income,
racially diverse infants and children. Her focus is on
understanding how to promote healthier eating and prevent obesity
in federal nutrition assistance programs, such as the Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
and the National School Lunch Program.
