MRC Epidemiology UnitVisiting Scientist
Population Health Interventions
Left the Unit in 2023
Current work and interests
Hannah is a Visiting Scientist in The Mandala Consortium, which focuses on transforming urban food systems for planetary and population health. She is conducting mixed-methods research to help map the food system in Birmingham and determine the most powerful levers for system change, and then will evaluate interventions that aim to make food healthier, more affordable and less harmful to the environment. Hannah left the Unit in July 2023.
Background and experience
Hannah pursued her undergraduate degree in Economics and Statistics at the University of St Andrews, following which she spent three years working in market and social research in both London and Edinburgh. During this time, she developed an interest in public policy and interventions specifically relating to physical activity and diet, which prompted her to complete a Master’s degree in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Bristol. Her Master’s thesis explored the reception of sugar reduction interventions in low-income settings.
Hannah completed her PhD at the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR) in 2021, co-funded by Public Health England (PHE) and the University of Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership. Her PhD research examined changes in soft drinks marketing in response to the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy, using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods. She also completed an internship at the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, which was funded by the ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership. Directly after her PhD, Hannah conducted qualitative research at CEDAR to explore the potential impacts of new UK restrictions on TV food advertising and online food marketing.