Contact
linkedin.com/in/megan-govindan-51937430/ Education
PhD, Human and Community Development, West Virginia University
MPH, Social and Behavioral Science, West Virginia University
MS, Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University
RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Commission on Dietetic Registration
BS, Human Nutrition and Foods, West Virginia University
Dr. Govindan has extensive experience in food system development and using research to connect community health advocates, public health professionals, and public advocacy groups. Her research portfolio focuses on agriculture workforce development with an emphasis in food safety outreach in shared use kitchens in Appalachia.
In her role as a Research Associate at the Health Affairs Institute, she conducts public impact research, policy analysis and evaluation, and assists stakeholders in program development, implementation, training and technical assistance related to behavioral health, workforce development, population health, and public health surveillance.
Prior to her work at Health Affairs, Dr. Govindan served as a faculty member at WVU for more than a decade, providing leadership as Director of Community Leadership & Social Action, Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics, teaching in human nutrition & foods, hospitality & tourism and culinary medicine, and spearheading curriculum development and community engagement at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Dr. Govindan is a native West Virginian, who has received community, state, university, and national awards in recognition of her leadership in food system development, teaching, commitment to equity, and community engagement. She is an alumni member of Phi Upsilon Omicron and the Gamma Mu Chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Societies and volunteers her time as a board member of the West Virginia Farmers Market Association and the advisory board for the Foodservice Management Program at Pierpont Community Technical College.