Graduate Students
Degree program: MS
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | University of Ghana | Nutritional and Food Science |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- Government of Ghana COCOBOD Scholarship
Sydney Boersma
Degree program: MS
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Louisiana State University | Nutritional Sciences: Dietetics |
Saydee Beth Carl (Adams) MS, RD/LD
Degree program: PhD
Advisor: Dr. Deana Hildebrand
Research interests: My research interests include community nutrition and policy, systems and environmental changes to decrease the prevalence of obesity, especially in rural communities.
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics |
| M.S. | Oklahoma State University | Community Nutrition |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- Winterfeldt Graduate Scholarship
Marysol Brandon
Degree program: MS
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional 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
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Texas A&M University-Kingsville | Human Nutrition |
Harmony Chen
Degree program: PhD
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| M.S. | Nanjing Agricultural University | Veterinary Medicine |
Degree program: M.S.
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce
Research interests:
I am interested in the behavior aspect of nutrition as it relates to food choices/ tendencies. I am also interested in the relationship between nutrition and chronic diseases.
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Dietetics |
Halle Dugan
Degree program: MS
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional 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
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| M.S. | Cox College | Nutrition Diagnostics and Dietetic Internship |
| B.S. | University of Arkansas | Nutrition Dietetics |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- Bachelor's Degree: Degree Honors – with high distinction
Dana Elmore
Degree program: MS
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional Sciences: Dietetics |
Ava Furman
Degree program: MS
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| A.S. | Texas Bioscience Institute, Temple College | General Science |
| B.S. | Texas Christian University | Didactic Program: Dietetics |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- Phil Upsilon Omicron Honor Society
Kaylin Gilliam
Degree program: MS
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce
Research interests: My research interests are eating disorders among collegiate athletes and the effects of nutrition on cognitive function.
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| A.S. | Tulsa Community College | Nutrition |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional 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
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. Even I’m also interested in aging and age-associated diseases.
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Universidad de las Américas Puebla | Clinical Biochemistry |
| M.S. | Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla | Clinical Nutrition |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- International student from Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla Mexico
Stacie Kelm
Degree program: MS
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce
Research interest: One of the research areas I'm most interested in is anti-diet/intuitive eating research.
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional Sciences |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- Presidents Honor Roll Spring 2023
- Presidents Honor Roll Fall 2022
- Presidents Honor Roll Fall 2020
Claire Knudtson
Degree program: MS
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional Sciences: Dietetics |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- CEHS Senior of Distinction 2024
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Sejong University | Food Science and Technology |
| M.s. | Sejong University | Food 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: MS
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional Sciences |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- Winterfeldt Community Nutrition Scholarship
- Daisy Purdy NSCI Scholarship
Savannah Mackey
Degree program: MS
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce
Research interest: I am interested in sports nutrition, functional nutrition, and how nutrition relates to chronic disease prevention.
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional Sciences: Dietetics |
Lily MacNaughton
Degree program: MS
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 post-partum recovery. Matern and infant nutrition is something I want to continue to learn more about.
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional 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: MS
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional Sciences- Dietetics |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- CEHS Outstanding Senior
- CEHS Senior of Distinction
Degree program: MS
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| Associate's Degree | Tulsa Community College | Religious Studies |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional 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
Degree program: MS
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | University of Arizona | Nutritional Sciences |
Hailu Reda
Degree program: PhD
Advisor: Professor Barbara Stoecker
Research interests: Early Childhood development, Child under-nutrition, Stunting
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Addis Ababa University | Nursing |
| M.S. | Hawassa University | Human 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: MS
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional Sciences: Dietetics |
Degree program: MS
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 | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Oklahoma State University | Nutritional Sciences- Dietetics |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- Martha Johnston NSCI Scholarship
Lauren Taylor
Degree program: MS
Advisor: Dr. Jill Joyce
Research interest: Prevention and management of food allergies in relation to nutrition, Immunoresponse, gut health, nutritional biochemistry, and maternal & child nutrition.
| Degree | Institution | Area of Study |
| B.S. | Northeasten State University | Nutritional Sciences: Allied Health |
- Awards, Honors and Scholarships
- Magna Cum Laude (Northeastern State University, May 2022)
- Cherokee Nation Scholarship
- Christian Ministers Alliance Scholarship
- Green and White Scholarship (Northeastern State Academic Scholarship.