Jonathan Blitstein
Principal Associate
Contact
JonathanBlitstein@westat.comOverview
Jonathan Blitstein, PhD, is a Principal Associate for Social Policy and Economics Research. He brings 25 years of research experience, with a focus on the evaluation of policies addressing nutrition assistance programs, community-based nutrition support, obesity prevention, and healthy decisionmaking in the retail food environment. He has supported numerous projects for USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and has deep knowledge of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Blitstein leads a variety of projects in the food and nutrition division. He develops study plans and data collection tools; implements primary data collection methodologies; and conducts quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data analyses. Blitstein provides expertise in research design, survey methodology, evaluation of program and policy effectiveness, and continuous improvement assessment based on in-depth knowledge of social and behavioral theory and a thorough understanding of applied statistical principles.
Education
- PhD, Psychology, University of Memphis
- MS, Psychology, University of Memphis
- BA, Liberal Arts and Science, Columbia College
Areas of Expertise
Dietary Assessment and Healthier Outcomes Food and Nutrition Nutrition Assistance Innovation and Integrity Program Administration and Stewardship Public Health Data Collection Evaluation and Mixed-Methods Research Mixed-Methods Research Statistical Methods Survey Design Survey Methods