Andi Schwingel, PhD, Lab Director
Associate Professor | andiara@illinois.edu
I study ways to improve the health of underserved populations through community health programs that are both culturally sensitive and sustainable. Underserved populations, such as US Latino immigrants, older adults, and rural dwellers, are often at the highest risk for developing chronic diseases. My research informs public health policy and practice that can lead to healthier communities.
Kristen DiFilippo, PhD, RDN
Assistant Professor | ashrafi3@illinois.edu
I study ways to improve health through nutrition interventions. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, my research focuses on using mHealth to support behavior change to improve chronic disease outcomes.
Tim Paiva Neto, PhD
Post Doctoral Fellow | tim28@illinois.eduÂ
I study Organization of Health Systems with a focus on Health Care Models, in the Public Health area. I also carry out research related to the promotion of physical activity in community contexts based on implementation science and research on the environmental determinants of physical activity, particularly in the older adults.
Juliana Eri Watanabe Soufen
PhD Candidate, Community Health | jw141@illinois.edu
My research interest is to understand the societal impact of large-scale infrastructure improvement projects in the health of vulnerable families. Particularly, I would like to answer how the community health programs truly impact people’s lives using a thoughtful evaluation process, which includes, among others, the beneficiaries’ voices.
Diana Morales
PhD Candidate, Kinesiology | dianam3@illinois.edu
My research interests include neurodegenerative disease and aging, as well as developing and implementing culturally adapted behavioral interventions in Latine populations to improve brain health outcomes.
Rafael Guimaraes de Lima e Silva
PhD Candidate, Community Health | rafael5@illinois.edu
My research interest is related to the development of nutrition apps that can improve the quality of health in the community. Specifically, I study a new model of nutrient intake recommendation based on the energy expenditure, which allows a personalized recommendation of micronutrients.
Emmanuel Dubure
PhD Student, Community Health | edubure2@illinois.edu
My research interests include neurodegenerative disease and aging, as well as developing and implementing culturally adapted behavioral interventions in Latine populations to improve brain health outcomes.