Dr. Karina Lora's Behavioral Nutrition Group
Welcome!
The Lora Behavioral Nutrition Group focuses on social determinants of health as they relate to nutrition behaviors and the development of overweight/obesity and associated comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer in underserved populations.
Our group is invested in understanding and facilitating behavior change through nutrition knowledge, education and intervention.
Principal Investigator
Karina Lora, PhD, RD
Undergraduate Students
Maia Medley
Research Interests:
Implementing and curating culturally competent frameworks into multidisciplinary research with a focus on improving community and global health through increased accessibility.
Personal Interests:
Running and staying active, watching runway shows/fashion designers, and trying new restaurants around the city!
Favorite Foods:
Chickpea Caesar Salad with Bruschetta Toast
Sarah Patton
Program:
BS/MPH Public Health Nutrition
Research Interests:
Eating disorders among female athletes and the impact of a plant-based diet for weight loss strategies.
Personal Interests:
Soccer, cooking, traveling.
Favorite Foods:
Vegan Salad
Mritika Rahman
Program:
Bachelors of Science in Public Health, Minor in Nutrition
Research Interests:
Food insecurity, chronic disease, obesity, childhood nutrition, health disparities
Personal Interests:
Dance, cooking, scenic walks, trying new outdoor activities
Favorite Foods:
My mom's biryani, açai bowls, strawberry shortcake
Roya Sakhizada
Program:
BS in Exercise Science, Minor in Human Anatomy
Research Interests:
The investigation of complex, unsolved medical cases, the Development of medical interventions aimed at preventing the sudden onset of heart disease, and environmental health.
Personal Interests:
Watching documentaries, maintaining an active lifestyle, and exploring Washington, D.C.
Favorite Foods:
Mantu, Beryani, and Fruit Salad
Lisbeth Vargas Ramos
Program:
BS in Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Research Interests:
Women's health, specifically the role nutrition plays in cancer prevention to improve clinical practices and contribute to prevention care.
Personal Interests:
Reading, working out, and traveling.
Favorite Foods:
Chile Rellenos
Zachary Williams
Program:
BS in Public Health
Research Interests:
Focus on closing gaps related to the key determinants of health, addressing the diverse factors that contribute to health disparities, and health equitability across different communities.
Personal Interests:
Exploring new places, traveling, and learning new things.
Favorite Foods:
Oxtail with Rice and Peas
Affiliated Students
Tim O'Neal
Program:
PhD in Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition
Advisor:
Loretta DiPietro, PhD
Research Interests:
Increasing preventative wellness by developing communities and partnerships that promote healthy lifestyle behaviors that start in the formative years and last across the lifespan.
Lab Alumni
- Anna Bautista
- Karla Cordero
- Anthony Derosa
- Aishwarya Grandhe
- Lindsey Hughes
- Annie McFee