Dr. Julia Roncoroni

What kind of research does Dr. Roncoroni conduct? 

• Dr. Roncoroni’s Health Disparities Research Lab focuses on interdisciplinary research addressing health disparities, emphasizing culturally responsive health promotion and patient-centered care. The lab engages undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in community-engaged research with a strong social justice lens. Their work centers on forming partnerships with communities and academic institutions to advance health equity and prevent disease, particularly in underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities. 

What would I be doing in her lab?

• Students in the lab collaborate on projects that mirror professional research experiences. Activities include preparing IRB submissions, designing and implementing community workshops, collecting and analyzing data (quantitative and qualitative), managing research studies, presenting findings at conferences, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications. 

What are Dr. Roncoroni's current projects?

• Dr. Roncoroni is currently leading Cocina Libre, a multi-faceted initiative that uses food as a vehicle to amplify immigrant voices. The project began with the release, in May 2024, of an ethnographic cookbook (“Cocina Libre: Immigrant Resistance Recipes”) that shares recipes and personal stories from immigrant chefs, showcasing their resilience and cultural heritage. It has since expanded into a broader storytelling platform, including: (1) a documentary (“Cocina Libre”) that intimately follows the lives of five Venezuelan chefs navigating life in the United States; (2) a podcast (in progress); (3) a second book (in progress); and (4) a second documentary (in progress). These projects further explore immigrant experiences through conversations with chefs and community members, delving into their journeys, culinary traditions, and the role food plays in fostering connection and cultural understanding. These combined efforts aim to raise awareness about the immigrant experience, promote intercultural dialogue, and empower communities through storytelling and food.

Can I participate in her lab if I cannot attend the meetings? 

• No, lab members are required to attend regular meetings to remain active participants. In addition, students in the lab are often out in the community. Consistent engagement is necessary, and students must commit to at least one year in the lab to receive a letter of recommendation from Dr. Roncoroni for their research contributions.