Q&A with Palak Gupta

Q: What is your position within the MPH program?
A: I am an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, and an Extension Specialist for Hunger Solutions. In the MPH program, I teach a variety of classes, including Program Planning and Evaluation, a required course for MPH students. As an Extension Specialist, I lead Utah's Food Security Council created under the Senate Bill 133 to coordinate state efforts in addressing food security. This council is housed in Utah State University's Hunger Solution Institute which provides technical expertise on food security and related issues. My role in academics as well as Extension creates many opportunities for bringing learning into practice, and providing research-based knowledge to people around the state.

Q: What about public health interests you?
A: Everything about public health interests me. Although my career is shaped in the field of public health, this wasn't the way I started. I started with education focused on clinical nutrition, but I did a lot of my fieldwork in public health and fell in love with it. I later took a deeper dive and did my PhD in Public Health Nutrition and a Master's in Public Health. What echoes with with me the most is the ability of public health to serve at the population level instead of the individual level, and it has a direct impact on the world. 

Q: What kind of research topics are you interested in? 
A: I am passionate about issues related to hunger, food insecurity and social determinants of health. Food insecurity, which means having limited or uncertain access to adequate food, is associated with poorer health outcomes and higher odds of chronic illness. It is influenced by several factors related to social determinants of health, including income, employment, race/ethnicity, and disability. I enjoy that my work has so many facets and opportunities for applied research, which can positively change lives of people.

Q: Any advice to offer current MPH students?
A: My advice to current students is that this is the time to seek new experiences to learn from. It is the time to branch out and learn what fascinates you most in public health. Don't be afraid to ask questions to your mentor and faculty. Network with other students and professionals to gain insight into the field. Public health is one area where no one can work in isolation, we must collaborate, and this is the time to build those connections. At the end, remember the work you do can make a positive difference in someone's life. So, stay humble and give yourself appreciation.

Contact Palak

Directory Page
Office Location: Davis County 122L
Phone: 435-919-1333
Email: palak.gupta@usu.edu