معرفی
Suzanne Phelan is a Professor in the Kinesiology and Public Health Department at California Polytechnic State University, where she also serves as the Director of the Center for Health Research. With over $12 million in secured NIH funding, she leads impactful research on obesity prevention and maternal-child health. Her work includes developing interventions for gestational diabetes, postpartum weight management, and family-based health strategies, notably through the Cal Poly Women and Infants’ Mobile Health Unit that serves underserved communities in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
Education includes:
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, MCP Hahnemann University (2001)
- M.A. in Clinical Psychology, MCP Hahnemann University (1999)
- B.A. in French, University of Colorado (1989)
- B.S. in Journalism, University of Colorado (1989)
Her research focuses on promoting cardiometabolic health across critical life stages, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Key areas include obesity prevention, gestational diabetes interventions, maternal-child feeding interactions, and sustainable weight loss strategies. She employs diverse methodologies from clinical trials to community needs assessments to address health disparities.
Recent publications consistently explore weight management, maternal health, and metabolic interventions across diverse populations. Thematic analysis reveals strong emphasis on: gestational health optimization, cross-cultural obesity interventions, behavioral modification techniques, and metabolic biomarker studies. Longitudinal designs and randomized controlled trials dominate her methodology.
Major initiatives include directing a mobile health clinic providing free women's healthcare while creating clinical research opportunities for students. She has secured substantial NIH grants supporting her work on postpartum weight retention, prenatal lifestyle interventions, and community health programs.
