Oluyemisi Akinsola

PhD Student:

She is a PhD student in Nutrition Science at Utah State University. She is enthusiastic about scaling up nutrition interventions to make healthier food choices desirable in combating malnutrition among vulnerable populations. Previously, she worked with The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) on : i) nutrition programs with Social Behavorial Change Campaign (SBCC) among under-five children and women of childbearing age in primary healthcare centers, ii) workforce nutrition projects that focused on pathways to improved diet, food access/safe consumption of nutritious foods among working-class adults. Her area of interest includes public health nutrition, sustainable food systems, and food & nutrition policies. 

Melissa Murillo Timoschenco

Master Student:

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina in 2023, where she developed a keen interest in Sports Nutrition and clinical nutrition. After completing her undergraduate studies, Melissa decided to pursue a Master of Science in Nutrition to deepen her knowledge and expertise in the field. She has shifted her focus towards community and social nutrition. Her current area of interest involves identifying and understanding the nutritional needs of low-income families. Through her research, Melissa aims to help develop effective interventions and strategies to improve the nutritional status of underserved communities. With her academic background, specialized knowledge, and practical experience, Melissa is poised to become a leading nutritionist who can positively impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities. 

Dantona Leger B.S., CHES®, RYT®

Dantona is a second-year master’s student in Public Health Nutrition at Utah State University. She received her B.S. in Health Education from the University of Florida in 2021 and plans to pursue her Ph.D. specializing in nutrition. Dantona’s vision for herself is to be a moving force in achieving nutritional equity - “when all people have the ability and chance to grow and/or consume healthy, affordable, and culturally significant foods.” Her main research goal is to redefine what it means to “eat healthy”, specifically from a cultural perspective by contributing diverse research on culturally significant foods. Moreover, food waste and sustainability are another research topic of interest. Specifically, teaching marginalized communities how to use resources available to them to manage and sustain community and personal gardens thus promoting a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy. Other research interests include disordered eating and holistic wellness.

LinkedIn: Dantona J. Leger