Richard A. Daynard holds a J.D. from the Harvard Law School, an M.A. in Sociology from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. from M.I.T. in Urban Studies and Planning (specializing in Law and Social Policy).  He is a University Distinguished Professor of Law at Northeastern University, where he has been teaching since 1969.  Professor Daynard has played key roles with a number or organizations devoted to combating the epidemics caused by tobacco and, more recently, obesity. These include serving as the President of the Public Health Advocacy Institute; Chair of the Tobacco Products Liability Project; and Chair of the Law and Obesity Project.  He has published over 80 articles, appeared in or been interviewed by major international media programs, and spoken on these issues in over 30 countries