According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity significantly impacts low-income families. It is the mission of community health researchers like Hadis Elyaderani to understand the mechanisms behind these health disparities.
Elyaderani is an assistant professor of global health studies and medical sociology in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences. She has published peer-reviewed journal articles on the impact of sugary beverage marketing in grocery stores on young children, the current policies in place to reduce energy drink consumption in children, and the perspectives of parents on solutions to improve the healthfulness of grocery stores.
Currently, with the support of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research grant, Elyaderani is investigating whether people have access to healthy food within dollar stores in Miami-Dade County and the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.
“The first step toward expanding access to healthy food options for low-income families with young children is working with the community, gathering evidence that highlights existing gaps and challenges they face,” Elyaderani explained.
Before joining the University of Miami in 2024, Elyaderani received her master’s degree in health administration from Tehran Research & Science University, followed by her doctoral degree in community health from Wayne State University. She also is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist.
Since joining the University of Miami, Elyaderani has taught sociology courses as well as graduate and undergraduate global health studies courses. She also mentors students in the global health studies program who are involved in her research projects.
Outside of the University, Elyaderani contributes her expertise to various professional organizations including the Global Health Council, the American Sociological Association, the Florida Public Health Association, the American Public Health Association, and the Society for Public Health Education. Elyaderani also sits on three different committees at the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade.
Elyaderani said she has enjoyed the collaborative spirit at the University. “One of the most important steps for junior faculty is building a strong network, especially with colleagues who value interdisciplinary research and team collaboration. I first experienced this collaborative spirit within the college, and through working with researchers across other schools and departments, I've seen how deeply it's embedded throughout the entire university,” she said.
As Elyaderani continues to acclimate to the college, she is eager to mentor undergraduate and graduate students on future projects. Students interested in getting involved with her research can contact her at hxe172@miami.edu.
