Research interests:
The primary research interests of the Na lab focus on nutrition and health disparity in mothers, children, and other vulnerable populations, such as low-income households and immigrants. A number of nutritional, behavioral, and health conditions are being studied in the US and low-and middle-income countries. Some of the research topics in the Na lab are:
Food insecurity around the world
Food insecurity is prevalent among low-income and vulnerable families worldwide. At the Na lab, we are focusing on the risk factors and health consequences related to both chronic and transit food insecurity in diverse populations. In the US, we sought to understand the patterns of food insecurity and its connection to stress, sleep and other health outcomes in a pilot study in Central Pennsylvania. In Africa, we work collectively with local partners to design and evaluate interventions that aim to break the vicious cycle of food insecurity, suboptimal diet, altered nutritional and health-related behaviors, and adverse health.
Complementary feeding practices in low- and middle- income countries
In many regions of the world, child malnutrition remains high and suboptimal feeding practices are prevalent. At the Na lab, we seek to understand the status of complementary feeding practices, how it changed over time, and what factors help to predict the suboptimal feeding practices in these regions, including the West and Central Africa and South Asia.
Feeding practices in the US
Feeding practice in young children is critical to shape their appetite, food preference, energy intake, and weight status. We are interested in examine the factors related to feeding practices in low-income households in the US.
The nutrition link to heart rate variability
Heart rate variability is a biomarker that predicts health outcomes and stress vulnerability. We are interested in learning how HRV within the ultra-short period (i.e. 5 mins) and over longer term (i.e. a month) are associated with modifiable risk factors, including food insecurity situation and suboptimal diet.
Restless legs syndrome during pregnancy
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensorimotor disorder. RLS commonly affects pregnant women (~20%). However, the causes and consequences are not fully understood. At the Na lab, we are interested in disentangle the nutrition-related risk factors (i.e. pre-pregnancy nutrition, iron deficiency) and potential health outcomes (i.e. fetal growth, birth outcomes) of RLS in pregnant women.
Study sites and study population:
Click on each pin on the map to find out more about the research projects.