Dr. Downs' research focuses on three main areas: 1) the impact and implementation of policies and interventions aimed at improving diets, 2) the mapping of food environments and their influence on food choice, and 3) sustainable food systems. She conducts research in India, Senegal, Myanmar, Kenya, Canada and New York City using mixed-methods approaches. Her current studies focus on the economic, health and environmental trade-offs of palm oil production and consumption in Myanmar; mapping food environments and strengthening African indigenous vegetable value chains in Nairobi slums; and promoting the sustainable consumption of animal sourced foods in the US.
