Piyanit Churak

Piyanit Churak is a Doctoral candidate in Geography with a research focus on Urban food and nutrition security at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Department of Geography and Geosciences, Institute of Geography. Additionally, Dr. Churak serves as an Assistant Instructor at the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University in Thailand since 2016. Their research bridges geography, nutrition science, and public health policy with a particular focus on Southeast Asian contexts.

Dr. Churak's educational background includes:

• Doctoral studies in Geography (2021-Present) at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
• Master of Science in Nutrition (2011-2015) from Mahidol University, Thailand
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health with major in Nutrition and Dietetics (2008-2011) from Mahidol University, Thailand (second-class honors)

Dr. Churak's research interests focus on urban food security systems, nutritional assessment methodologies, and the development of culturally appropriate nutrition interventions. Their work particularly emphasizes school lunch programs in Thailand, elderly nutrition, and food consumption patterns across Southeast Asia. Through interdisciplinary approaches combining geographical analysis with nutritional science, Dr. Churak investigates how environmental factors influence nutritional status and develops practical tools for nutrition assessment and intervention planning.

Dr. Churak has received professional recognition as a Registered Dietitian with the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand (2021) and has secured multiple research grants from international organizations including the Ajinomoto Foundation, Ministry of Health of Lao PDR, EU's ARISE+ program, Nestle, FAO/WHO, and Thailand's Bureau of Budget.

As an educator, Dr. Churak has developed specialized training programs for teachers and stakeholders involved in school lunch implementation and has created innovative tools for health promotion targeting at-risk populations including Thai people with hypertension and elderly communities in Ubon Ratchathani province.