Maeve E. Gearing

Overview

Maeve Gearing, PhD, is a Principal Research Associate with a decade of experience in public policy research and a specialty in food and nutrition policy. She is practiced in the design of qualitative and quantitative research as well as oversight and implementation of data collection, analysis, and results dissemination.

Gearing has led numerous studies focused on healthy eating and food insecurity among SNAP populations; facilitators and barriers to participation in nutrition programs including the Summer Food Service Program, GusNIP, and CACFP; and the effects of healthy food incentives on SNAP client purchases. Prior to joining Westat, Gearing worked with state and city governments to evaluate access to SNAP benefits; supportive housing for child welfare-involved families; SNAP incentives; and mechanisms for coping with family hunger. She has also assessed the impact of local interventions in areas such as childhood obesity and early school truancy for nonprofit groups and philanthropies. During her career, Gearing has coauthored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and features in top-tier media. She has also presented at dozens of high-profile research conferences.

Education

• PhD, Public Policy, Duke University
• MA, Public Policy, Duke University
• BA, Economics, Wellesley College