Principal Investigator
Tashara M. Leak, Ph.D., R.D.
Dr. Leak is an Associate Professor in the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University. As a health disparities researcher, she conducts interventions that address socioeconomic and environmental influences on food choices, while drawing upon her expertise in mixed methods and community-based research. More specifically, Dr. Leak designs innovative and culturally relevant interventions that aim to improve dietary behaviors among minority adolescents that reside in urban, low-income communities. She is deeply committed to conducting research that informs public health programming and policy.
Doctoral Students
Lauren San Diego, MS RDN
Lauren San Diego completed her BS in Nutrition & Dietetics through Florida International University. She completed her dietetic internship through the University of Oklahoma then worked as a research assistant at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University before completing her MS in Food & Nutritional Sciences. Lauren aims to assist marginalized populations navigate the food environment through nutrition education, community and industry partnerships, and advocacy for improved social and corporate policies. In her free time, Lauren loves snuggling up with her dog, running, playing sand volleyball, and strumming her guitar or ukulele.
Research Assistants
Caitlin Potter, RDN
Caitlin Potter is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New York City. She holds a Bachelor’s in Food and Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics from Montclair State University and completed her Dietetic Internship Program at Hunter College School of Urban Public Health. After experiencing food insecurity in her college years, Caitlin became passionate about building resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems. Before moving to NYC, Caitlin was a SNAP-Ed NY Nutritionist – committed to removing barriers to health by working with the local public health network and providing nutrition education to community members of all ages. In her current role, she aims foster change and reduce health disparities through research-informed methods.
Marisah M. de Moll, BS
Marisah de Moll earned a BS in Applied Nutrition and minor in Food Science at NC State University and is based in New York City. She has research experience in several laboratories focused on bio-organic chemistry and analytic food chemistry and community nutrition experience as a SNAP Educator and Policy Systems and Environment (PSE) program developer. Marisah is excited to learn about implementation science and methods of translational mixed-methods research in The Leak Lab. Her specific interests are in preventative medicine, longevity, epigenetics, endocrinology, and lifestyle factors contributing to health. Marisah enjoys cooking new recipes and spending time with her family and friends.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Bryant Kye
Bryant is a senior majoring in Food Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He is from Bergen County, New Jersey and is passionate about all things related to food. From baking brownies in the dorm kitchen and sharing them with his suitemates to recipe testing with his product development team, Bryant hopes to pursue a career in the food industry. Outside of class, he enjoys playing the traditional Korean drums as a member of Shimtah and reading graphic novels.
Hena Sofia Interiano
Hena is a senior majoring in Food Science at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell. From a young age, she discovered her passion for food and cooking in her home country, Honduras. In 2015, she founded CookingwithHena a cooking blog and entrepreneurial project, in which she shares with others her love for food. Hena is interested in pursuing a career in the food industry. She looks forward to helping bridge the hunger and malnourishment gaps that exist in the world, especially in Honduras and other Latin American countries.
Jada Vyphuis
Jada Vyphuis is a senior majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society in the College of Human Ecology. She is interested in the ways nutrition can impact an individual’s life, specifically those belonging to historically underserved populations. She seeks to help her community back in the Bronx through nutrition education to bridge the gap in health and food insecurity. On campus, Jada is a peer mentor with the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives and volunteers with Big Red Buddies in Head Start programs in Ithaca.
Mariam Lawal
Mariam Lawal is a senior majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences at the College of Human Ecology. Mariam Lawal is an aspiring physician and dedicated advocate for health equity and nutrition education in minority communities. Mariam’s commitment to serving minority communities extends beyond her research pursuits. She actively volunteers in community health programs and engages in outreach initiatives aimed at promoting health awareness and education. Outside of classes, Mariam enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.