Lori Francis, Ph.D.

Lori A. Francis, PhD, is a professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State, and Director of the Family and Child Health Project. Much of her research focuses on factors that influence the disproportionate burden of obesity in children from households that experience poverty. Her research is at the intersection of developmental science and public health, with basic studies that examine exposure to stress and adversity and links with risk for and resilience from obesity. Dr. Francis’ applied lines of work focus on community engaged nutrition education, obesity prevention and gardening programs in communities that experience health disparities and inequities.