James E. Emery, MPH is a Research Associate in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education at the UNC School of Public Health.  Jim’s primary interest is in finding policy, environmental, and systems-level solutions for public health problems like the obesity epidemic.  Currently, he is helping lead the development of competencies and curriculum to help public health professionals work in the realms of policy and environmental change.   

He has collaborated on AARP’s “Active for Life®” campaign, the North Carolina Cardiovascular Health Program, and other interventions to help communities improve their built environments for walking and bicycling.  In that capacity Jim provides technical assistance on intervention design and implementation.  He has developed environmental audit techniques and analysis methods to further community-based research.   Jim designs and facilitates training workshops on topics that unite public health, public policy, and urban planning strategies.  Jim is a member of APHA and SOPHE.