Dr. Susan Veldheer’s research broadly focuses on behavioral health interventions for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Using an interdisciplinary and community-engaged research approach, Dr. Veldheer has designed and tested interventions related to improving dietary intake of fruits and vegetables; assessing barriers to treatment for both smoking cessation and obesity; and understanding perceptions of public health interventions among patients, providers and community members.

Dr. Veldheer recently led a gardening intervention at the Hershey Community garden to improve dietary intake of fruits and vegetables among patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In addition, she has conducted randomized trials to assess the effectiveness and potential health effects of tobacco cessation interventions and novel tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes and reduced-nicotine-content cigarettes.

Finally, using qualitative research methods and supported by a Clinical and Translational Science Institute Bridges to Translation award, she is conducting studies to understand the perceptions of screening for social determinants of health among both patients and clinical care team members.

Dr. Susan Veldheer is a Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute KL2 Scholar (2022-2024). 

Registered Dietitian, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)