Dr. Samina Raja’s research program focuses on understanding the role of planning and policy in building sustainable food systems and healthy communities. In partnership with collaborators nationwide, Dr. Raja is currently directing Growing Food Connections, a comprehensive five-year initiative funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to build capacity of local governments to strengthen food systems. Publications include: “Food Environments, Built Environments, and Women’s BMI”; “The Critical Connection between Community Food Systems and Urban Planning”; “Transforming Food Environments, Building Healthy Communities.”