Faculty Mentor 

Dr. Lina Begdache, PhD, RDN, CDN, CNS-S, FAND, is an Associate Professor of Health and Wellness Studies at Binghamton University and the founder and faculty mentor of B-SMART. Her research in nutritional neuroscience examines relationships among nutrition, lifestyle, substance use, and mental well-being. Initially focused on nonmedical ADHD medication use, her work has expanded to other substances and the factors associated with their use.

A Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and elected member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, Dr. Begdache supports students’ research and professional development through the Begdache IRB-to-Impact (I²I) Model™. She guides students from scientific questions to publications, presentations, and community education, helping them develop critical thinking, research independence, and the ability to communicate science effectively.