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Education and Human Sciences

Graduate Students


Kwadwo Abankroh Kumi
Degree program: M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Harriet Okronipa

Research interests: My research interest is around global nutrition. Specifically, Public health nutrition under nutritional epidemiology, maternal, infant and child nutrition, community nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. I am working on how malnutrition in all its forms influences maternal and child health in low-income countries, and then develop interventions to address it.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. University of GhanaNutritional and Food Science

Safianu Aleboko
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: I am passionate about research in school nutrition, maternal nutrition, nutrition-related non-communicable diseases, and dietetics. My work focuses on using policy, systems, and environmental strategies to enhance nutritional outcomes.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. University of Cape CoastClinical Nutritional and Dietetics
  • Awards, Honors and Scholarships
    • Second Place Winner, 3-Minute Thesis Competition, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University | 2024
    • Impact Scholarship for Impact Research Workshop, Leaders of Africa Institute, United State | 2024
    • Impact Scholarship for Data + Design Workshop, Leaders of Africa Institute, United States | 2024
    • Dean’s Award, Best Departmental Graduating Student, University of Cape Coast | 2023
    • Dean’s Award, Best Male Departmental Student, Level 400, University of Cape Coast | 2022
    • Scholarship Award, Office of the President, Republic of Ghana | 2020 – 2022
    • Dean’s Award, Best Male Departmental Student, Level 100, University of Cape Coast | 2019
    • Honorary Award for Excellent Academic Performance from Valco Hall, University of Cape Coast | 2019
  • Publications
    • Abdulai, K., Alhassan, A. R., Aleboko, S. O., Ahmed, M. D., Mohammed, A. S., Adom, O.-A. F., & Kumah, R. (2024). Dietary diversity and nutritional status of adults living with HIV during the COVID-19 era. PLOS ONE, 19(7), e0307427. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0307427
    • Aleboko, S. O., Abdulai, K., Ayensu, J., Agyapong, N. A. F., Mohammed, A. S., Nsiah-Asamoah, C., Klevor, M. K., Darko, G. B., & Nkrumah, P. (2023). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the University of Cape Coast hospital in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Integrated Health Research Journal, 1(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.47963/ihrj.v1i2.1372
    • Biri-Baidoo, S., Agyapong, N. A. F., Mohammed, A. S., Ayensu, J., & Osman, S. A. (2023). Child welfare clinic attendance during the COVID-19 restriction era and the nutritional status of children. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2705084/v1

Sydney Boersma
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: I am interested in research regarding maternal and child nutrition, as well as research on different breastfeeding practices and breastfeeding norms among various populations. I am also interested in research regarding the role that social media plays in child feeding practices.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S.Louisiana State UniversityNutritional Sciences: Dietetics

Marysol Brandon
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: My Research interests include diabetes management, understanding the nutrition on health, and exploring how physical activity can help prevent and manage diseases.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S.Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences: Dietetics

  • Awards, Honors and Scholarships
    • MB Seretean Nutrition Science Scholarship | Fall 2023, Spring 2024
    • OSU Regents Distinguished Transfer Scholarship | Fall 2020 – 2022, Spring 2021 – 2022
    • Martha Johnston NSCI Scholarship | Fall 2022, Spring 2023

Cameron Cardona
Degree Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. McKale Montgomery

Research interest: My main research interest is the effect of genetic differences on cellular metabolism and the mechanisms by which these differences occur.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Texas A&M University-KingsvilleHuman Nutrition

Harmony Chen
Degree program:
Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: My current research interest is to investigate whether and how carotenoids can alleviate the development of intestinal colitis, obesity, and diabetes by influencing the interplay of the host and gut microbiome.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
M.S. Nanjing Agricultural UniversityVeterinary Medicine

Halle Dugan
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: I'm passionate about sports nutrition because it combines my love for athletics with the science of optimal health. Understanding how nutrition affects performance, recovery and overall well-being drives me to explore how tailored diets can improve athletic outcomes and support long-term wellness. I'm excited about the potential to help athletes achieve peak performance through informed dietary choices.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences- Dietetics
  • Awards, Honors and Scholarships
    • Phillps 66 Scholarship | Fall 2020 – Spring 2024
    • Academic Opportunity Award | Fall 2020 – Spring 2024
    • Hutchison Scholarship | Fall 2020 – Spring 2021
    • Matha Jognston NSCI Scholarship | Fall 2024 – Spring 2025
    • Dean's Honor Roll | Fall 2020, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024
    • President's Honor Roll | Spring 2021


Travis Eden
Degree Program: Ph.D.
Advisor:Dr. Sam Emerson

Research interest: My research interests include the impact metabolic disease (metabolic syndrome) has on the development of dementia (Alzheimer's) as well as cognitive decline. Are there interventions via lifestyle (diet, exercise, etc.) that may prevent Alzheimer altogether or delay the onset of developing Alzheimer disease.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
M.S.Cox CollegeNutrition Diagnostics and Dietetic Internship
B.S.University of ArkansasNutrition Dietetics

Dana Elmore
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interest: I am interested in the relationship within nutritional impact and chronic disease development, including specific conditions such as Alzheimer's and Cancer.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences: Dietetics

Ava Furman
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: I am currently interested in studying how gene regulation affects iron metabolism to find personalized dietary strategies for intervention. I am also strongly interested in gut microbiome and how changes in it can lead to disease development and affect overall health and wellness.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
A.S.Texas Bioscience Institute, Temple CollegeGeneral Science
B.S. Texas Christian UniversityDidactic Program: Dietetics

Savanah Gideon
Degree program:
Ph.D.
Advisor:Dr. Jill Joyce


Degree InstitutionArea of Study
M.S.Texas State UniversityNutrition
B.S. Baylor UniversityNutrition and Foods

Kaylin Gilliam
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor:Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: My research interests are eating disorders among collegiate athletes and the effects of nutrition on cognitive function.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
A.S.Tulsa Community CollegeNutrition
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences: Dietetics
  • Awards, Honors and Scholarships
    • OSU Regents Distinguished Transfer Scholarship
    • TCC's Honor Roll
    • OSU Presidents Honor Roll
    • OSU Dean's Honor Roll
    • Winterfeldt Graduate Research Scholarship

Tyler Godsey
Degree program:
Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Sam Emerson

Research interests: Physiological and molecular effects of dietary interventions or changes on individuals, especially those with chronic diseases.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma Christian UniversityBiology

Pamela Gonzalez-Sanchez
Degree Program: M.S.
Advisor:Dr. Deana Hildebrand

Research interest: I’d like to continue the research path I started in Mexico on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I’m also interested in aging and age-associated diseases.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Universidad de las Américas PueblaClinical Biochemistry
M.S.Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de PueblaClinical Nutrition

Stacie Kelm
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interest: One of the research areas I'm most interested in is anti-diet/intuitive eating research.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences

Claire Knudtson
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences: Dietetics

Gopal Lamicchane
Degree program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Yoo Kim

Research interests: Passionate about investigating effect of food bioactive compounds on obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and other metabolic diseases.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Pokhara UniversityPharmaceutical Sciences
M.S.Sejong UniversityPharmaceutical Sciences
  • Awards, Honors and Scholarships
    • Full Scholarship for Undergraduate Education, Nepal Government | 2012
    • Undergraduate Student Research Grant, Nepal Health Research Council | 2015
    • Research and Business Development Grant, NITEC, Pokhara University | 2017
    • Korean Government Scholarship for Graduate Student | 2018
    • Achievement Award, Wonkwang University | 2021
  • Publications
    • Lee DY, Lee SJ, Chandrasekaran P, Lamichhane G, O’Connell JF, Egan JM, Kim Y. Dietary Curcumin Attenuates Hepatic Cellular Senescence by Suppressing the MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Aged Mice. Antioxidants. 2023 May 27;12(6):1165.
    • Lamichhane G, Pandeya PR, Lamichhane R, Yun HD, Shrivastava AK, Cheon JY, Sapkota B, Devkota HP, Jung HJ. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of extract, fractions and major compounds of Ponciri Fructus in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Current Research in Biotechnology. 2023 Jan 1;6:100138.

Dayeon Lee
Degree program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Yoo Kim

Research interests: My research interest is the roles of functional foods on age-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s Disease by investigating nutrients-gene interactions. I am also interested in the development of therapeutic potential ‘senolytics’ from functional foods to delay or prevent aging process.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Sejong UniversityFood Science and Technology
M.S.Sejong UniversityFood Science and Technology
  • Publications
    • Lee, D. Y., Chun, Y. S., Kim, J. K., Lee, J. O., Ku, S. K., & Shim, S. M. (2021). Curcumin attenuates sarcopenia in chronic forced exercise executed aged mice by regulating muscle degradation and protein synthesis with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 69(22), 6214-6228.
    • Lee, D. Y., Chun, Y. S., Kim, J. K., Lee, J. O., Lee, Y. J., Ku, S. K., & Shim, S. M. (2021). Curcumin ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation-related muscle disorders in C2C12 myoblast cells. Antioxidants, 10(3),
    • Lee, D. , Oh, J. H., Uhm, J. T., Kim, I. H., Park, M. J., Moon, S. H., ... & Shim, S. M. (2020). Impact of acidity regulator and excipient nutrients on digestive solubility and intestinal transport of calcium from calcium phosphate and carbonate. Food & Function, 11(12), 10655-10664.
    • Choi, E. H., Lee, S. B., Lee, D. Y., Kim, G. T., Shim, S. M., & Park, T. S. (2019). Increased intestinal absorption of vitamin U in steamed graviola leaf extract activates nicotine detoxification. Nutrients, 11(6),
    • Choi, E. H., Lee, D. Y., Park, H. S., & Shim, S. M. (2019). Changes in the profiling of bioactive components with the roasting process in Lycium chinense leaves and the anti‐obesity effect of its bioaccessible fractions. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 99(9), 4482-4492.
    • Lee, , Seo, S. B., Lee, H. J., Park, T. S., & Shim, S. M. (2018). Using phytochemicals to investigate the activation of nicotine detoxification via upregulation of CYP2A6 in animal models exposed tobacco smoke condensate by intratracheal instillation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018.
    • Choi, E. H., Lee, D. Y., Kim, S., Chung, J. O., Choi, J. K., Joo, K. M., ... & Shim, S. M. (2017). Influence of flavonol-rich excipient food (onion peel and Dendropanax morbifera) on the bioavailability of green tea epicatechins in vitro and in vivo. Food & Function, 8(10), 3664-3674.

Kylie Love
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: I'm interested in community nutrition and currently I am a GRA for Dr. Hildebrand. The research is about if food pantries across part of Oklahoma are ready and able to distribute fresh produce grown by the OSU student farm, and if the neighbors who use the pantries are willing and able to use the fresh produce.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences

Savannah Mackey
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interest: I am interested in sports nutrition, functional nutrition, and how nutrition relates to chronic disease prevention.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences: Dietetics

Lily MacNaughton
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: I have always been interested in the role and impact of nutrition on women's fertility, as well as prenatal health and postpartum recovery. Maternal and infant nutrition is something I want to continue to learn more about.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences- Dietetics
  • Awards, Honors and Scholarships
    • Regents Distinguished Scholar Scholarship | Aug 2020 – May 2024
    • Young & Jenkins PDS Scholarship | Aug 2023 – May 2024
    • President's Honor Roll | Aug 2020 – 2021, Aug 2022 – May 2023
    • Alumni Association Chespeake Energy Scholarship

Marah Martinez
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences- Dietetics

Grace Mbroh
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Harriet Okronipa

Research interests:My research interests are; community or public health nutrition, food systems and food environments impact on food behaviors and health, maternal, adolescent and child nutrition and food and nutrition assistance programs.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. University of Cape CoastClinical Nutrition and Dietetics

Kathryn McNally
Degree program: M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Degree InstitutionArea of Study
Associate's DegreeTulsa Community CollegeReligious Studies
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences- Dietetics
  • Awards, Honors and Scholarships
    • Spring 2023 – Dean’s honor Roll
    • Fall 2023 – Dean’s honor Roll
    • Spring 2024 – Dean’s honor Roll
    • 2024-2025 CEHS Scholarship Recipient – Mock-Snell Endowed Scholarship and Mary E. Leidigh NSCI Graduate Scholarship

Femi Olawale
Degree program:
Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Edralin Lucas

Research interests: My research focuses on how dietary nutraceuticals and phytochemicals, such as curcumin and pinto beans, impact gut health. As a PhD student in Nutritional Science at Oklahoma State University, I investigate how these plant-based compounds modulate gut microbiota and improve gut barrier function, with potential implications for preventing inflammation, obesity and estrogen deficiency. By combining expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology, I explore how these dietary interventions influence gut-tissue interactions, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic function. Ultimately, my goal is to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind how diet can promote overall health and prevent disease.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.SEkiti State UniversityBiochemistry
M.S. University of IbadanNutritional Biochemistry
  • Awards, Honors and Scholarships
    • Barbara K. Pass Nutritional Sciences Research Grant | 2022
    • Distinguished Graduate Fellowship Award | 2023 – 2024
    • College of Education and Human Sciences | 2023 – 2024
  • Publications
    • Olawale, F., Lee, D.Y., Lee, S.J., Alake, S., Chaffin, N., Chandrashekar, R., Lucas, E. and Kim, Y., 2024. Dietary Curcumin Supplementation Improves Gut Integrity and Inflammation Markers in Obese Aged Mice. Current Developments in Nutrition, 8. (Flash Talk)
    • Olawale, F., Alake, S., Chandrashekar, R., Islam, P., Chaffin, N., Sutton, B., Jin, J.B., Ugo, C., Chowanadisai, W., Knotts, T.A. and Smith, B., 2024. Pinto Bean Supplementation Increases Microbial Beta-Glucuronidase Activity and Improves Gut Health in Estrogen-Deficient Mice. Current Developments in Nutrition, 8. (Oral Presentation)
    • Arthur, B., Alake, S., Olawale, F., Orphan, J., Keirns, B., Emerson, S.R., Smith, B.J., Lucas, E.A. and Braun, A., 2024. Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids Predict Eating Behavior of Postmenopausal Women After Completion of a Dietary Pulses Intervention. Current Developments in Nutrition, 8.
    • Ford, J., Hurd, J., Olawale, F., Alake, S.E., Chandrashekhar, R., Islam, P., Chaffin, N., Sutton, B., Smith, B.J., Lucas, E.A. and McCullagh, E., 2024. Impact of pinto bean and resistant starch supplementation in memory and cognition in a mouse model of estrogen deficiency. Current Developments in Nutrition, 8.
    • Alake, S., Ice, J., Adedigba, P., Hatter, B., Islam, P., Lu, P., Chandrashekar, R., Olawale, F., Orphan, J., Perez, L. and Butcher, J., 2023. OR10-02-23 Pinto Beans Supplementation Prevents Vascular Dysfunction in an Interleukin-10 Dependent Manner in Female Mice Fed an Atherogenic Diet. Current Developments in Nutrition, 7.
    • Olawale, F., Ariatti, M. and Singh, M., 2022. Phytochemical, antioxidant, anticancer, cell migration inhibitory potentials of Erythrina caffra Thunb. leaf extracts and pharmacoinformatic analysis of its constituents. International Electronic Conference on Medicinal Chemistry, 8. (Poster)

Atziry Palomares
Degree program: M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. University of ArizonaNutritional Sciences

Hailu Reda
Degree program:
Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Barbara Stoecker

Research interests: Early childhood development, child under-nutrition, stunting
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S.Addis Ababa UniversityNursing
M.S.Hawassa UniversityHuman Nutrition
  • Publications
    • Hailemariam, H., Singh, P. & Fekadu, T. Evaluation of mini nutrition assessment (MNA) tool among community-dwelling elderly in urban community of Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia. BMC Nutr 2, 11 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-016-0050-1
    • Dargie, Felegush, Henry, Carol & Hailemariam, H & Geda, Nigatu. (2018). A PeerLed Pulse-based Nutrition Education Intervention Improved School-Aged Children’s Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) and Nutritional Status in Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Food Research. 7. 38. 10.5539/jfr. v7n3p38.
    • Alemu G, Diddana TZ, Bosha T, Alemu T, Alemayehu FR, Hailemariam H, Daba AK, Getachew M. Zinc deficiency among pregnant women around Lake Awasa, Hawassa City, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional analysis. J Nutr Sci. 2022 Nov 23;11:e102. doi: 10.1017/jns.2022.104. PMID: 36452399; PMCID: PMC9705700.
    • Hjellbakk VK, Hailemariam H, Reta F, Engebretsen IMS. Diet and nutritional status among hospitalized children in Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia. BMC Pediatr. 2022 Jan 21;22(1):57. doi: 10.1186/s12887-022-03107-6. PMID: 35062911; PMCID: PMC8781358.
    • Singh, P., Khan, M., & Hailemariam, H. (2017). Nutritional and Health Importance of Hibiscus Sabdariffa: A Review and Indication for Research Needs. Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Engineering, 6.
    • Desta DT, Kelikay GN, Zekwos M, Eshete M, Hailemariam, H, Alemayehu FR, Zula AT. Influence of fermentation time on proximate composition and microbial loads of Enset, (Ensete ventricosum), sampled from two different agroecological districts. Food Sci Nutr. 2021 Aug 16;9(10):5641-5647. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.2527. PMID : 34646533; PMCID: PMC8497836. Diet and nutritional status among hospitalized children in Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia

Melina Rooks
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interest: I am interested in investigating the impact of specific dietary patterns on disease prevention and management in marginalized populations. Additionally, I am interested in how public policy can shape eating patterns and affect access to healthy foods in these communities.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences: Dietetics

Lilly Ruark
Degree program: M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: My research interests revolve around the world of sports and the effects nutrition can play on not only the performance of athletes but also how a lack of nutrition can impact an athlete's mental health.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S. Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences- Dietetics

Riju Sigdel
Degree program:
Ph.D.
Advisor:Dr. Winyoo Chowanadisa

Research interests: Study of nutrient-gene interactions and their impacts on chronic diseases; Precision nutrition.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S.Kathmandu UniversityHuman Biology
M.S.Mahidol UniversityNutrition and Dietetics

Yashu Tang
Degree program:
Ph.D.
Advisor: Dr. Daniel Lin

Research interests: The roles of carotenoid metabolism in regulating gut microbiome and reshaping gut immunity as well as its effects on lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S.Sichuan Agricultural UniversityVeterinary Medicine
M.S.China Agricultural UniversityVeterinary Medicine
  • Awards, Honors and Scholarships
    • Stoecker Family International Nutritional Sciences Fellowship | 2024
    • GPSGA Travel Award | 2023 – 2024
    • Endowed International Nutritional Sciences Fellowship | 2023
    • NSCI Scholarship | 2022
    • Winterfeldt Graduate Research Fellowship | 2022
  • Publications
    • Tang Y., Hasan MD, Salahuddin MD, et al. 2024. Astaxanthin regulates gene expression in mouse small intestinal organoids in culture. Current Developments in Nutrition. 2024;8(2)
    • Tang Y., Lu P., Alake E., et al. Zeaxanthin Improves Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Mice. Current Developments in Nutrition. 2023;7(1)
    • Tang Y, Tang N, Zhu J, et al. Molecular characteristics and genetic evolutionary analyses of circulating parvoviruses derived from cats in Beijing. BMC Vet Res. May 23 2022;18(1):195.

Sydney Toburen
Degree program:
M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce

Research interests: My area of interest includes diabetes education, juvenile diabetes and nutrition infographics. I am passionate about all things diabetes and communicating complex nutritional information in a visually engaging way, to make it accessible to a wider audience.
Degree InstitutionArea of Study
B.S.Oklahoma State UniversityNutritional Sciences
M.S.Oklahoma State UniversityNutrition and Dietetics Practice Track