PhD, Applied Economics, Texas Tech University, 2014

MPA, International Development, Cornell University, 2011

MS, Agricultural Economics, Tribhuvan University, 2007

Research: childhood obesity, behavioral economics, policy evaluation

Teaching: obesity policy, health economics

Agricultural and Applied Economics Association

American Society of Health Economists

HPAM 7050 Obesity Policy

HPAM 8600 Health Economics

Dr. Thapa’s specialty is in policy oriented research primarily field and community based research, program planning and evaluation, and application of behavioral economics in addressing childhood obesity and food behavior.

Thapa, J. R., Impact of the Strong4Life School Nutrition Program on the Cafeteria Environment and on Manager and Staff Knowledge and Practice, Public Health Reports (in press)

Thapa, J. R., C. Lyford, , B. McCool, A. McCool, B.C. Pence, E. Belasco, 2016. Improving Cancer Risk Awareness including Obesity as a Risk Factor for Cancer from a Multi-tiered Community-based Intervention in a Small US Community, Journal of Cancer Education (in press)

Saswat, P., Ko Otani, J. R. Thapa*. 2016 Weight Status and Satisfaction with Healthcare Received in the U.S. and Georgia. Journal of Georgia Public Health Association, Volume 5, No. 3, Winter 2016, 287-293.

Thapa, J. R. and C. Lyford. 2014. Behavioral Economics in the Lunchroom: Can it Affect Food Supplier Decisions? A Systematic Review. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, Volume 17, Special issue A, 187-208

Barent N. M., C. Lyford, N. Hensarling, A. McCool, B.C. Pence, J.R. Thapa, E. Belasco, T. Carter. 2013. Reducing Cancer Risk in Rural Communities through Community-Based Education. Journal of Cancer Education. 28:597-600.