December 1, 2025

As the first Policy Manager for the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate, Dan Dychtwald, PhD ‘20, MPH ‘18, MS ‘16, is pioneering how the state understands and responds to food insecurity. In this position, which he began in May 2024, he evaluates the impact of federal and state policies on New Jersey families and taxpayers while advising legislators on data-driven solutions. His recent development of a school meals for all cost-estimation tool, now adopted by at least one other state, illustrates the forward-thinking approach he brings to public service.

Dan’s journey into public health began with a single elective at Drexel University. While pursuing his MS in nutrition, he discovered epidemiology and realized that the two fields were intertwined. As he puts it, “I fell in love with public health… there was such a strong connection to nutrition.”

That insight led him to become Drexel’s first student to double major in nutrition within the College of Nursing & Health Professions’ Department of Nutrition Sciences and public health within Dornsife’s Department of Health Management and Policy, an ambitious path that continues to shape his work today.

Balancing the demands of two majors and work required discipline. Scholarships helped ease the burden, enabling Dan to take on roles with Philadelphia’s Maternal Child Family Health Community Action Network and co-chair the City of Philadelphia’s Fatherhood workgroup.

The decision to pursue public health at Dornsife felt like a natural extension of his academic curiosity. Dan credits the faculty with deepening his understanding and igniting his drive. “I could not imagine a better curriculum or professors,” he says, noting how each course left a lasting impact. The Advanced Healthcare Financial Management course stands out as a favorite and introduced him to a mentor who guided him throughout his graduate studies.

Faculty mentorship extended beyond the classroom. Dan recalls the meaningful role Dennis Gallagher, MA, MPA, associate teaching professor emeritus at Dornsife, served on his thesis committee. His guidance, professionalism, and candid feedback set a standard he continues to hold in high regard.

The policy analysis tools Dan learned at Dornsife play a role in his daily work in state government. Entering a newly formed department, he found himself applying those tools immediately and strategically. “Analysis is critical for my work,” he explains, noting that his training equipped him to help shape the team’s foundational processes.

As he looks toward the future, Dan is embracing additional legal training to strengthen his policy expertise. He is currently pursuing a master’s in legal studies to better evaluate rapidly changing federal data and regulations. Driven by an enduring commitment to growth, he adds simply: “Never stop learning!”

Dan will be an expert panelist at the Drexel Dornsife Maternal and Child Health Center of Excellence’s Policy & Perspectives on Food Insecurity & SNAP Benefits webinar on December 9, 2025, at 12:00 pm EST. RSVP today!

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