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Dr. Wang is a decision scientist and epidemiologist who uses mathematical models to integrate epidemiology and demography to inform policy. She is interested in the distribution of modifiable risk factors like diet, exercise, and preventive screening, and how they reduce disease risk across the population. Her present research focuses on obesity and cardiovascular disease prevention. Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, she examined environmental and behavioral determinants of energy balance (energy intake vs. energy expenditure) to evaluate how various strategies and policies may help fight obesity in children and adolescents. One of her research areas is the role of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption by children and adults and the health and economic impacts of levying excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (see report to New York State in 2010.) More recently, she led research projects to assess clinical guidelines of cardiovascular disease prevention, such as guidelines for blood pressure and cholesterol screening as part of pediatric services, and using imaging technologies to screen for atherosclerosis.

ScD, Harvard School of Public Health, 2005

MSc, Harvard School of Public Health, 2001

MD, National Taiwan University, 2000

University Affiliations:

• Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research

Additional Affiliations:

• Member, National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR)
• Member, Society for Medical Decision Making
• Advisor, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation

Impact of Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages