Manisha Tharaney, PhD, MPH

Dr. Manisha Tharaney is the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) at the Louisiana Public Health Institute, bringing over 20 years of experience in research design, program evaluation, and health systems strengthening. She specializes in designing MEL frameworks that generate actionable evidence for public health programming and policy development, with particular expertise in maternal and child health, nutrition, and health equity.

Dr. Tharaney has led research and evaluation projects, built evaluation capacity for local organizations, and facilitated evidence-informed policy dialogue with government agencies and stakeholders. Her work focuses on participatory evaluation approaches, outcomes measurement, and translating research into practice. Previously, she served as Project Director at RTI International and Regional Director for West Africa at Alive & Thrive (FHI 360).

Dr. Tharaney holds a PhD in Global Health Systems and Development from Tulane University and an MPH from George Washington University.