Megan Govindan, PhD, MPH, MS, RD, LD

Dr. Govindan is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is dedicated to using evidence-based research to cultivate healthier communities in West Virginia. Improving the lives of her fellow West Virginians is a personal passion for Megan.

Research Scientist

Organization:

West Virginia University Health Sciences Center

Department:

Institute for Community and Rural Health

Classification:

Staff

• PhD, Human & Community Development, West Virginia University
• MPH, Social & Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University
• MS, Animal & Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University
• BS, Family & Consumer Sciences, Human Nutrition & Foods, West Virginia University

Govindan, M. Exploring the Perceptions of Produce Processors Operating in Non-Profit Commercial Kitchens in West Virginia. West Virginia University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2021.

Berry, M. Govindan, M, Verlinden, S. Taylor, R. Investigation into Composting Efforts at West Virginia University. West Virginia University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2018.

Fink, D. Govindan, M. Tou, J. Taylor, R.  The Effect of an Interdisciplinary Healthcare Team on the Nutritional Status of Elderly Patients in Acute and Post-Acute Care. West Virginia University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2018.

Haney, J. Govindan, M. Boone, D. Blemings, K. Managing diabetes in children with disabilities: best practices & barriers. West Virginia University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2008.

Govindan M. Youth Health Promotion in West Virginia: The Helping H.A.N.D. (Health Awareness & Nutritious Decisions) program. West Virginia University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2008.

Govindan M. Developing a nutrition education program for low income mothers: The Helping H.A.N.D. Cooking Club. West Virginia University, ProQuest Dissertation Publishing, 2009.

• Wallace Center at Winrock International - Institutional Investment - Accelerator (2021)
• West Virginia University - I Heart Demo Day - 3rd place - Conscious Harvest Cooperative (2019)
• West Virginia University - Nick Evans Faculty Advising Excellence Award - Nominee (2019)
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Marianne Smith Edge Award (2017)
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Hunger and Environmental Didactic Practice Group – Award for Leadership in Hunger and Environmental Nutrition (2017)
• Empty Bowls Monongalia County – Service Award (2017)
• West Virginia University – Climb Higher Nominee (2017)
• West Virginia University – Women and Gender Studies: Alma and Claude Rowe Excellence through Equity Award (2016)
• West Virginia University - Nick Evans Faculty Advising Excellence Award - Nominee (2016)
• Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Didactic Practice Group – Speakers Bureau Award (2016)
• West Virginia University – Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design – Outstanding Teacher Award (2011)
• President’s Volunteer Service Award (2010)

Service

• Board Member, Take Back Our Health West Virginia! Collective Impact for obesity prevention with SNAP-ED Evaluation Framework (2021-present).
• Advisory Council Member, West Virginia University Office of Health Promotion & Wellness (2020-present).
• President, West Virginia Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (2019-2020).
• President-Elect, West Virginia Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (2018-2019).
• Committee Member, National Farm to Institution Collaborative Steering Committee, (2018-present). 
• Steering Committee Member, West Virginia Farm to School Strategic Plan, (2018-present). 
• Committee Member - Carnegie Service Classification Committee at West Virginia University (2018-2019) 
• Summer Faculty Member, West Virginia Health Sciences & Technology Academy (June 2013 - 2018). 
• Faculty Steering Committee  - Center for Service & Learning at West Virginia University (2014-2019). 
• Faculty Advisor, West Virginia University - Community of Practice Group - Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine (2017-2019).
• Mid-Block Instructor, Culinary Medicine - Med Chef Rotation, West Virginia University School of Medicine (2014-2018).      
• Council on Professional Issues West Virginia Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (2017-2018). 

Dr. Govindan has extensive experience in food system development and using research to connect community health advocates, public health professionals, and public advocacy groups. Her research portfolio focuses on agriculture workforce development, farm-to-institution, and food is medicine.
Prior to her work at the WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health, Dr. Govindan served as a Research Associate at the WVU Health Affairs Institute, and as a faculty member at WVU for more than a decade, providing leadership as Director of Community Leadership & Social Action, Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics, teaching in human nutrition & foods, hospitality & tourism and culinary medicine, and spearheading curriculum development and community engagement at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.