Alexandria Forte, PhD

Assistant Professor

Dr. Alexandria Forté is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Connecticut. She graduated with her MSW from the University of Denver and her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Inspired by her years of experience as a medical social worker, Dr. Forté’s research investigates how food insecurity impacts the health and well-being of minoritized children and families. She explores both the complex intersections between food access, nutrition, and social equity, as well as how these experiences are measured.

Dr. Forté uses her training and experience to address the distinct challenges faced by those living in food-insecure households. She utilizes qualitative and quantitative methods with a unique expertise in measurement analyses. Her analytic approaches are used to refine and enhance existing tools for assessing food insecurity through input and collaboration with groups disproportionately impacted. In addition, her research seeks to adapt these tools to better capture the experiences of racially and ethnically diverse communities.

Dr. Forté’s research is informed by critical race theory, underscoring the belief that systemic inequities often shape access to food and highlighting the ways structural racism and social determinants of health influence food distribution and availability.

Research Interests

Food access and availability disparities

Racially and ethnically minoritized groups health and well-being

Measurement Analysis and Development

Direct Report Youth Food Security Measures

Curriculum Vitae

View Alexandria Forte’s CV