Ramine Alexander joined the UNC Nutrition Research Institute as Research Project Manager. Dr. Alexander received her Ph.D. and MPH, from Virginia Tech. As an intervention scientist, her research interest includes utilizing Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) to improve lifestyle risk factors (i.e., diet and physical activity) that have a direct relevance to obesity and chronic disease. Through CBPR approaches a primary goal of her work is to involve the voice of the community in the research process to promote intervention sustainability. Dr. Alexander has a passion for building health equity, conducting research on the social determinants of health, and using innovative approaches to communicate science.

Aaliyah is a first-year graduate student pursuing her MPH in Applied Epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. After earning her undergraduate degree from UNC in Global Studies and Public Policy, she worked to administer digital health interventions aimed toward health behavior change and improving chronic disease outcomes. Prior to joining the Living F.R.E.E. Lab, Aaliyah worked in research analyzing and evaluating issues and trends that impact U.S. health policy and health care delivery. She hopes to bring her studies and work with the Lab together to advance her knowledge in improving health outcomes in communities of color.

Katherine is a recent graduate of North Carolina State University, where she studied social work. As an undergraduate, she engaged in research surrounding burnout and vicarious trauma; she is excited to join Dr. Goode’s lab as a research assistant. Katherine is passionate about increasing healthcare equity, social justice, and individual and community well-being, and she hopes to pursue a career engaging in research around disordered eating. In her free time, Katherine enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and playing guitar.

Julian is a Kannapolis native who is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill with a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Religious Studies. He is a Chancellor's Science Scholar and worked at the NRI as an undergraduate. Julian is a research assistant in Dr. Goode's lab where he is engaging in qualitative research around eating disorders and engaging in the community. He is interested in exploring a possible career in research, but would like to go to medical school to become a pediatric oncologist. Some of Julian's interests include reading, riding motorcycles, hiking, and being a positive impact.