Megan Diaz, Research Director
Professional Overview
Megan Diaz is an accomplished research professional with a strong track record of driving impactful initiatives in the healthcare and public policy domains. As the Research Director at Truth Initiative, she leverages her extensive expertise in research design, data analysis, and strategic consulting to advance the organization's mission of promoting tobacco-free living.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Research Director at Truth Initiative, Megan is responsible for overseeing the organization's research program, which focuses on understanding tobacco use patterns, evaluating intervention strategies, and informing evidence-based policymaking. In this role, she leads a team of researchers in designing and executing studies that provide critical insights to support Truth Initiative's advocacy efforts and public health initiatives.
Under Megan's leadership, the research team has produced several high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals, furthering the understanding of emerging tobacco products and their impact on public health. Her work has been instrumental in shaping national policies and informing the development of effective cessation programs.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Megan held various research-focused positions, including Senior Research Manager and Research Manager at Truth Initiative, where she honed her skills in project management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. She also gained valuable experience as an Advisor and Senior Consultant at CVS Health, where she contributed to the development of population health analytics and product evaluation strategies.
Throughout her career, Megan has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing research in the public health domain. As a Freelance Research Assistant at Frank Chaloupka Economic Consulting and a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Institute for Health Research and Policy, she has contributed to numerous research projects, publications, and grant-funded initiatives.
Academic Background
Megan holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, where she specialized in healthcare policy and data analytics. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago, graduating with distinction.
Areas of Expertise
- Research design and methodology
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Public health policy evaluation
- Tobacco control and cessation strategies
- Project management and team leadership
- Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
Professional Impact
Megan's work has been recognized for its significant impact on public health policy and practice. She has collaborated with policymakers, advocacy groups, and academic institutions to disseminate research findings and inform evidence-based decision-making. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping national strategies to reduce tobacco use and improve population health outcomes.
Conclusion
With her exceptional research skills, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to public health, Megan Diaz is poised to continue driving meaningful change in the tobacco control and public policy landscape. As the Research Director at Truth Initiative, she is dedicated to leveraging data-driven insights to support the organization's mission and positively impact the lives of individuals and communities.
