Directory Profile
Traci Bekelman PhD, MPH
Research Assistant Professor
Dr. Bekelman is a biological anthropologist and research assistant professor of epidemiology in the Colorado School of Public Health and the Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center. She uses qualitative and quantitative methods to study how biology, culture and the social and physical environments interact to influence lifestyle behaviors and obesity among children and adolescents. Ongoing projects include identifying early life influences on obesity-related disparities, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's lifestyle behaviors, and dietary assessment methodologies among school-aged children.
Areas of Expertise
- Childhood obesity
- Lifestyle behaviors
- Health disparities
- Social determinants of health
- Qualitative research
Education, Licensure & Certifications
- PhD, Biological Anthropology, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2016
- MA, Biological Anthropology, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2009
- MPH, International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2003
- BA, Exercise Physiology, University of California, Berkeley, 1998