Jennifer Cadenhead

Her mixed-methods research focuses on diet patterns, particularly ultra-processed foods consumption, and health. She also studies policies and dietary behaviors to promote nutrition security and mitigate chronic disease. Using a team-based approach, she has illuminated relationships between diet quality, policy and health for individuals with celiac disease, breast cancer survivors, and underserved communities. She seeks to provide critical insights for community members, advocates, educators and policy makers. She is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles, international conference abstracts, testimonies and policy briefs. Dr. Cadenhead is dedicated to inspiring future public health professionals. Her mentorship extends to undergraduates thru postdoctoral researchers, fostering an independent learning environment centered on real-world exploration and community-driven research. In these relationships, she emphasizes the importance of real lived experiences and community voices as a pathway for social change and policy reform. Prior to coming to CUNY-SPH in the role of Assistant Professor in fall 2025, Dr. Cadenhead collaborated with local to national stakeholders and contributed to initiatives addressing food insecurity and nutrition education. She served as the Executive Director of the Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education and Policy, and was a Research Assistant Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. In this role, she facilitated the Food Ed Coalition, a network of over 300 organizations, and led efforts to improve nutrition literacy and healthy food choice. Additionally, she partnered with NYC Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy (MOFP) to promote food-related policies, and access to evidenced-backed, culturally relevant nutrition education for children and their families. Dr. Cadenhead has appeared in media outlets such as The Today Show, Forbes Health and Men’s Health. She has participated in NIH training programs under NCATS and NIDDK. Dr. Cadenhead has also secured and managed nearly two million dollars in extramural funding.Dr. Cadenhead holds a BS in Mathematics and Sociology from Duke University and advanced degrees and credentials from Teachers College, Columbia University centered around Behavioral Nutrition and Nutritional Epidemiology (RDN, MS, MPhil, PhD, postdoctoral training). She gained additional experience in nutritional epidemiology through an apprenticeship at Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Northern California.