Principal Investigator

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.

Danielle Parks, BA

Danielle Parks is Program Liaison for the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island at Cornell University Cooperative Extension in New York City (CUCE-NYC). She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, with a Specialization in Law and Philosophy, and a minor in sociology from The College of New Jersey. As a program liaison, Danielle works at the intersection of CUCE-NYC and community, identifying cross-program opportunities within the organization, as well as supporting community-based partnership formation and sustainability. In her role, she aims to break down silos among CUCE-NYC program areas and to co-create pathways of meaningful engagement with the communities and individuals the organization serves.

Monica Gopaul

Monica Gopaul is Program Liaison for Brooklyn and Queens at Cornell University Cooperative Extension in New York City (CUCE-NYC). She has worked with CUCE-NYC for nearly 24 years, from conducting nutrition and parenting workshops to fostering community partnerships across NYC. Monica holds a degree in Health Science and has the Family Development Credential (FDC) and the New York State Parenting Education Program (NYSPEP) Credential. In her role, she seeks to bridge communication among CUCE-NYC programs and to support community-partnership development in the communities CUCE-NYC engages and serves. Her hobby is traveling and trying food around the world.

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.

Meiya Lin

Meiya is a sophomore majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society. She currently lives in Long Island, New York, but has previously lived in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Passionate about cooking, she enjoys exploring new recipes and flavors. On the pre-med track, Meiya aspires to open her own private primary care practice in the future. She is particularly interested in nutritional research and how food can support overall health. In her free time, she enjoys playing badminton, tennis, and the piano.