Denise Tahara

Denise Tahara is an Associate Professor and Department Chairperson in the Department of Health Sciences at Pace University's College of Health Professions. She also serves as Interim Director of Health Informatics, demonstrating leadership in both academic and administrative domains. Her work spans public health, health policy, food security, care coordination, and systems thinking, with a strong emphasis on equity and community engagement.

Dr. Tahara holds a PhD in Health Policy and Management, an MPhil in Public Administration, and an MBA in Finance and International Business—all from New York University—as well as a BS in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. This multidisciplinary background informs her integrative approach to health and wellbeing.

Her research interests include social determinants of health, food insecurity among seniors and vulnerable populations, care coordination for children with medical complexity, opioid crisis intervention, and the application of design thinking in public health. She has led and contributed to numerous interdisciplinary projects that bridge public health, sustainability, and innovation.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent trajectory in using systems thinking, design innovation, and policy analysis to address complex public health challenges. Themes include telehealth equity, food systems for seniors, human-centered care design, and sustainable healthcare models. Her recent work emphasizes political strategy for health equity and the role of technology in transforming care delivery.

• Runner Up for the 2021 Research To Practice Award
• Honorable Mention, Robert Wood Johnson 2019 Health X Design Challenge
• School of Art Research and Innovation Award (Pratt Institute, 2024)

Dr. Tahara has secured multiple grants from agencies including HRSA, the Lucile Packard Foundation, and the New York State Health Foundation. She has advised students and professionals in interdisciplinary research and has presented widely at national and international conferences. She is actively involved in leadership roles within the New York State Public Health Association, where she served as President (2021–2022), and is a longstanding member of APHA, ACHE, and other professional organizations. She has also contributed to educational initiatives on leadership development, cultural competence, and sustainability in healthcare.

Her work is supported by collaborations with institutions such as New York Medical College, Pratt Institute, and Union Community Health Center. She leads initiatives focused on veteran care, climate resilience, and food access, often employing human-centered design and community-based participatory research methods.