Research Associate
Indian School of Business
Gaurav Kishen is a research associate from the Indian School of Business, with a background in public health and nutrition.
What is your research background and what are your current research interests?
My research background is rooted in public health and nutrition, with a strong focus on implementation research, program monitoring, and community-based interventions. I have worked across diverse thematic areas including maternal and child nutrition, tuberculosis, vector-borne diseases, and food systems—primarily in underserved regions like Bihar, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. During my professional journey, I have been involved in both qualitative and quantitative research, including needs assessments, baseline surveys, monitoring frameworks, and impact documentation for multi-/stakeholder programs.Currently, my research interests lie in the intersection of nutrition-sensitive interventions, and community-led delivery models. I am particularly interested in exploring how evidence-based, preventive approaches—such as early detection and behavior change communication—can improve health outcomes while reducing out-of-pocket expenditures. I am also keen on leveraging data systems and field insights to inform program design, adaptive delivery, and policy recommendations.
What are you focusing on in the INFUSION project?
In the INFUSION project, my focus is on strengthening the integration of nutrition outcomes through market-based interventions, with a specific emphasis on women-led community enterprises like Jeevika Didi Haat . As part of Local Implementation team, I am working closely with community institutions, government functionaries, and other stakeholders to design and implement strategies that improve access to diverse, safe, and nutritious foods at the last mile.My responsibilities include anchoring the project and executing tasks and ensure that all the tasks are implemented as discussed within timeline. Through this work, I aim to contribute to a scalable and sustainable model that links women’s economic empowerment with improved dietary diversity and health awareness at the household and community level.
What excites you about your work on INFUSION?
INFUSION has offered me to meet many new colleagues and friends who are great leaders and have woven the path for INFUSION in Bihar. Its innovative approach to linking nutrition with livelihoods, particularly through women-led community platforms like Jeevika Didi Haat . The project offers a unique opportunity to design interventions that are not only nutrition-sensitive but also economically empowering for rural women.I find great meaning in working at the intersection of community engagement, nutrition, and market systems, were real, measurable change can happen. Being able to co-create solutions with SHG members, support capacity building, and witness the transformation of informal spaces into functional markets for nutritious food is both rewarding and inspiring.Additionally, the focus on evidence-based program delivery—where field data, lived experiences, and local knowledge shape strategies—deeply aligns with my passion for contextual, community-driven development. The work challenges me intellectually and emotionally, while constantly reminding me of the resilience and potential of the communities we serve.
Tell us a fun fact about you
I love cooking — it’s my way of unwinding after a long day. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, recreating street food at home, and hosting mini food tastings for friends and family.