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.

Paola completed her PhD in Social Work at Boston College and a Master in Nutrition at Iberoamericana University in Mexico City. Her research examines risk and protective factors for child malnutrition, and the impact of the social determinants of health on health disparities among underserved populations. Her current research interests have been shaped by a gradual evolution of professional experiences from diverse clinic- and community-based research projects in Mexico, Guatemala, and the U.S. A more recent area of her research focuses on adapting and testing a parenting intervention to prevent child obesity among Hispanic families.

Myneesha King is excited to join the team as the new Social/Clinical Research Specialist. Myneesha is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University’s Professional Theatre Department. Her background includes Education, Social Services, Pilot Program Management and Human Resources. Myneesha taught middle and high school theatre in both Charlotte Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County Schools. Her passion remains for community outreach and the development of underserved populations. Myneesha enjoys spending time with her family and exploring cultural events in her spare time.

Wehazit Mussie is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying Medical Anthropology on a Pre-Dental track in hopes of becoming a pediatric dentist. She serves as a Research Assistant in Dr. Goode’s lab where she can contribute to research that she is truly passionate about regarding issues that have long been underrepresented for people of color. Wehazit enjoys making pottery, practicing yoga, and reading in her spare time.