Rachael Piltch-Loeb

Rachael Piltch-Loeb is a researcher affiliated with the NYU School of Global Public Health and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness Research Evaluation and Practice Program (EPREP). She holds a PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences from NYU, an MSPH in Health Behavior and Society from Johns Hopkins, and a BA in Healthcare Management and Policy from Georgetown University. Her work focuses on public health emergency preparedness, disaster response, and effective communication strategies to engage the public during health crises.

Her research spans diverse emergencies, including extreme weather events, pandemics, environmental hazards, and manmade disasters. Key interests include identifying vulnerable populations, enhancing cross-agency collaboration, and improving public health systems. She has contributed to projects such as the Climate Lighthouse initiative and the WTC Health Registry. Her publications examine vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and the mental health impacts of disasters. Recent work highlights the intersection of climate change, public health, and community resilience.

Dr. Piltch-Loeb’s articles emphasize evidence-based approaches to risk communication and policy, with a focus on equity and behavioral science. Her studies often involve collaborations with practitioners and students, aiming to translate research into actionable strategies for future emergencies.