Biography
Dr. Payán, an associate professor in the Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, is a leading expert in state and local health policy research whose work focuses primarily on obesity and nutrition-related racial/ethnic health disparities, and understanding how policy impacts health behavior. She conducts state and local policy surveillance research and evaluates community-engaged studies implemented in a variety of settings from schools and faith-based organizations to safety net clinics and academic medical centers.
Payán is also the Faculty Director of the California Initiative for Health Equity and Action (Cal-IHEA), a state-wide research and policy center that supports the translation of research evidence into state health policy and public health practice to improve health equity in California.
Research Interests
Some of Dr. Payán's research interests are health policy, obesity, nutrition, food security, state policymaking, advocacy coalitions, evaluation, and global health.
Current Projects/Studies
- Strengthening Policy and Translation Research to Advance Health Equity in California. UC Multicampus Research Programs and Initiatives: Program Award. 2023-2025. Role: Principal Investigator. Total Cost: $943,146.
- Policy Surveillance and Implementation of Local Flavored Tobacco Product Sales Ban in California. UC Tobacco-Related Disease Research Programs: New Investigator Award. 2022-2025. Role: Principal Investigator. Total Cost: $773,683.
Education
- PhD with a focus on Public Policy and Management from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy (2015)
- Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School (2010)
- Bachelor’s degree in History and Science from Harvard University with high honors (2008)
Honors and Awards
- 2022, Best of Pedagogy in Health Promotion Article Collection in 2021.
- 2021, Hispanic Lifestyle Latina of Influence Award
- 2020, Health Career Connection’s 30 Inspiring & Impactful Alumni
Publications
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Payán DD, Perez-Lua F, Goldman-Mellor S, De Trinidad Young M-E. Rural household food insecurity among Latino immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutrients. 2022:14(3):2772.
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Payán DD, Frehn JL, Garcia L, Tierney AA, Rodriguez HP. Telemedicine implementation and use in community health centers during COVID-19: clinic personnel and patient perspectives. SSM – Qualitative Research in Health. 2022:100054.
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Payán DD, Burke NJ, Persinger J, Martinez J, Jones Barker L, Song AV. Public support for policies to regulate flavoured tobacco and e-cigarette products in rural California. Tobacco Control. 2022:tobaccocontrol-2021-057031.
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Payán DD, Brown P, Song AV. County-level recreational marijuana policies and local policy changes in Colorado and Washington States (2012-2019). Milbank Quarterly. 2021;99(4):1132-1161.
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Payán DD, Flórez KR, Williams MV, Oden CW, Mata MA, Branch CA, Whitley MD, Derose KP. Sermons to address obesity in partnership with African American and Latino churches. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 2021;53(9):811-815.
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Payán DD. Cultivating health policy analysis and communication skills in undergraduate public health education: an active learning approach. Pedagogy in Health Promotion. 2021;7(3):235-241.
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Payán DD, Lewis LB, Cousineau MR, Nichol MB. Advocacy coalitions involved in California’s menu labeling policy debate: exploring coalition structure, policy beliefs, resources, and strategies. Social Science & Medicine. 2017;177:78-86.
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Payán DD, Sloane DC, Illum J, Farris T, Lewis LB. Perceived barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and school lunch meals among adolescents: a qualitative study. American Journal of Health Behavior. 2017;41(5): 661-669.
