Anika Thrower

Assistant Professor
Health Studies

Office: N-799T

Office Hours: Fall 2021 Monday 11 am-1pm & Friday 5 pm-6 pm

Phone: +1 (212) 220-1457

Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Anika Thrower earned her B.S. in consumer science/nutrition from Norfolk State University and both her MPH and Ph.D. in public health and community health from Walden University. As a health practitioner, Dr. Thrower served in Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) programs around the United States for over 16 years. With her most rewarding experience serving at a Native American community in Washington State.

Because of her background, service, and research, she has expertise in utilizing the transtheoretical behavioral health model in underrepresented populations. This led to being presented with the Presidential Alumni Research Dissemination Award at Walden University. Appointed by the mayor of New Haven, she was both a committee member and co-chair of the New Haven Food Policy Council. Along with others, Dr. Thrower’s work led to establishing the city’s first Food Action Plan.

Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor within the Health Education department at City University of New York-Borough of Manhattan Community College. Before her current position, Dr. Thrower taught at Springfield College and Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Thrower’s research interests include investigating mental health and food security issues that adversely affect the quality of life of women and other members of underrepresented populations. She advocates maternal & child health as well as seeking ways to close gaps in higher education attainment.

Having served at other academic institutions in the northeast she is honored to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the BMCC family.

Favorite inspirational quote: When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up you can get up-Les Brown

Expertise

Over a decade of experience serving and researching underrepresented populations using the transtheoretical behavioral health model exploring lifestyle choices. For over 16 years, served in maternal and child nutritional programming around the United States.

Degrees

B.S. Norfolk State University, Consumer Science/Nutrition,
M.P.H. Walden University, Community Health/Public Health
Ph.D. Walden University, Community Health/Public Health

Courses Taught

3 CRS.3 HRS. HED 110 HED 110 (Comprehensive Health Education): This course in health educations offers a comprehensive approach that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and behavioral models to enhance their physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual health as well as facilitate their health decision-making ability. Areas of specialization include: alcohol, tobacco and abused substances, mental and emotional health, human sexuality and family living, nutrition, physical fitness, cardiovascular health, environmental health and health care delivery. HED 110 fulfills all degree requirements for HE 100. Students who have completed HED 100 - Health Education will not receive credit for this course.
3 CRS.3 HRS. HED 250 HED 250 (Stress: Awareness, Understanding  and Management): This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the psychological, physical, and social understanding of the stress response. The course will explore the divergent ranges of the human stress response, while emphasizing the use of positive stress in an academic setting. Opportunities will be provided for students to learn concrete scientific measures, gain practical insights, and adapt viable stress management techniques. The purpose of the course is not to advocate any one particular technique, but rather to enable students to make informed decisions about stress management approaches toward enhancing health.

Research and Projects

Green-Rennis L, Grace L, Thrower A. (Forthcoming, Fall 2021). Chronic Stress and Autoimmune Disorders. In KB Holden & CP Jones, (Eds), Resilience: Black Women and Public Health, SUNY Press.

Publications

Book:

Thrower, A.C. (2018) The Art of Dominating the Winner’s Circle of the College-Minded Student

Journal Publications:

Thrower, A.C., & Peoples, M., (2015). Creating Tipping Points to Eliminate Breastfeeding Barriers. International Journal of Childbirth Education 30 (4), 28-30

Peoples, M., Thrower, C. A., & Danawi, H., (2014) Exploring the Impact of Stress on Pregnancy Loss. International Journal of Childbirth Education 29 (3) 80-83

Thrower, A.C., & Peoples, M., (2014). Optimal Weight: A Gift of Life. International Journal of Childbirth Education 29 (2), 46-50

Thrower, A.C., Thrower, D., & Danawi. H., (2014). Maternal Oral Care: A Health Practitioner’s Toolkit. International Journal of Childbirth Education 29 (1)52-56

Thrower, A. C., Danawi, H., Lockett, C., (2013). Determinants of High Pre-pregnancy BMI of U.S. Puerto Rican WIC Participants. International Journal of Childbirth Education 28 (4), 55-61

Other Publications:

Circle of Change Handbook (2007) Guiding others towards Healthy Living (DOH Pub 345-209) Washington State Department of Health, Olympia, WA

Honors, Awards and Affiliations

HONOR

May 2014 Presidential Alumni Research Dissemination Award Walden University, Minneapolis, MN

AFFILIATIONS

2016-2018 Toastmasters, Greater New Haven Toastmasters Club (#00005436) New Haven, CT

2009-2010 Breastfeeding and Cancer Research Advisory Board, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

2008-2009 Breastfeeding Taskforce. Department of Public Health, Boston, MA

COMMUNITY SERVICE

2013-2015 Vice-Chair, New Haven Food Policy Council, New Haven,

2011-2013. Council Member New Haven Food Policy Council, New Haven, Connecticut