Jessica Carter Email Address

Assistant Director, Employer Relations

American University is a leader among Washington DC universities in global education. American University enrolls a diverse student body from throughout the United States and nearly 140 countries.

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Studies at American University. Broadly, my work focuses on achieving health equity from birth. My mission: to ensure all children are healthy and ready to succeed. My research centers on investments and policies supporting environments and interventions that increase the number of children who are physically active and eating a nutritious diet in the early ages and early grades with the goal of improving health and well-being to support school readiness and achievement. My current research projects focus on health promotion initiatives among diverse populations, including people of color and low-income families, in parks and recreation spaces. I am also examining the roles of philanthropy and policy in creating nutritious food environments for underserved communities. I completed my PhD in Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, specializing in Health and Public Policy.