MRC Epidemiology UnitResearch Associate
Prevention of Diabetes and Related Metabolic Disorders in High Risk Groups
Current work and interests
Cara is a behavioral nutrition researcher and registered dietitian. The overarching goal of her research is to apply a family systems lens to efforts that aim to address obesity and food insecurity, with a particular focus on eating behavior and family development. She uses mixed methods to address questions about the prevention and treatment of obesity across development and design effective interventions that are policy relevant.
Background and experience
Cara obtained a BS in Dietetics from the University of Delaware. She gained experience in public health interventions at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, coordinating multiple community-based obesity prevention interventions to improve the food environment in minoritized populations. Motivated to focus on families, she obtained an MS and PhD in Nutritional Sciences and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University. There, her research examined intervention spillover effects and the influence of sibling-related family systems processes on parent feeding practices in the INSIGHT and SIBSIGHT cohorts. From 2022-2024, Cara completed the Harvard-Wide Pediatric Health Services Research Fellowship where she led research related to intensive health behavior lifestyle treatment for obesity in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as a statewide survey on food equity and access at The Greater Boston Food Bank. Her training in nutrition, public health, and human development uniquely positions her to lead interdisciplinary research and translate results to impact policy change.
Publications
Qualifications
- BS in Dietetics, University of Delaware
- MS in Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
- PhD in Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University