Aviva Must

Aviva Must holds the Morton A. Madoff, M.D., M.P.H., Professorship in Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Her roles include Professor in Public Health and Community Medicine, and former Dean of Public Health and Professional Degree Programs (2009–2023). She earned a PhD from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy (1991), an MS from Tufts (1987), and a BA from NYU (1976).

Research focuses on obesity epidemiology across the lifespan, particularly in children and adolescents. Key interests include bidirectional associations between child mental health and obesity, effects of early obesity on tooth eruption, and health promotion for children with special needs. She co-directs the Healthy Weight Research Network (HRWN), funded by HRSA/Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Recent work addresses disparities in obesity among populations such as children with autism, underserved immigrant families, and those with intellectual disabilities.

Funded projects include exergaming interventions for autistic youth (GamerFit-ASD), community-based obesity prevention programs for immigrant mothers, and studies on dietary resemblance in families with children with disabilities. Grants come from NIH, HRSA, and others. Professional activities include journal editorships, advisory roles at the Public Health Museum, and leadership in translational research initiatives.