MEET THE TEAM

Research Assistant

Lily Cheek

Lily is majoring in Human Health and Physiology. Her research explores the societal impacts of nutritional systems, where she analyzes and integrates data to help inform future decision-making. Outside the lab, Lily is a culinary enthusiast who enjoys creating and curating new recipes. After graduation, she plans to continue her education in a Physician Assistant graduate program, further pursuing her passion for human health.

Research Assistant

Francesca Donalisio

Francesca is a sophomore majoring in Biology and minoring in Data Science on the pre-medical track. She has gained clinical experience in both U.S. and international settings through medical brigades in Honduras and Panama. She serves as the president of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative chapter at William & Mary and is the co-founder and CEO of EyeGive, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to vision care.

Research Assistant

Emily Garloff

Emily is a senior majoring in Neuroscience. She has an interest in research that connects our complex health and social systems directly to health outcomes. On campus, she is involved in Alzheimer's Buddies, as well as serving as a Service Saturday Team leader, WCWM's Station Manager, and a Student Career Advisor. After graduating, Emily will pursue graduate work on a clinical pre-health path.

Research Assistant

Brianna Hendricks

Brianna is a sophomore on the pre-medical track, majoring in Public Health and minoring in Environment & Sustainability. Her research focuses on the environmental and economic impact of food waste in the U.S. Outside the lab, Brianna is involved in other research labs and improves sustainability on campus as an undersecretary for Student Assembly’s sustainability committee.

Research Assistant

Miranda Husband-Wood

Miranda is a junior majoring in Human Health & Physiology and minoring in Data Science. Her research focuses on managing databases used for health and sustainability analyses. Outside of research, she is a member of the William & Mary Symphony Orchestra and serves on the executive board as their tour director. She also enjoys playing the piano and assisting with the sports performance team on campus through their strength and conditioning department. Miranda hopes to use her passion for public health to attend medical school and pursue a career in healthcare.

Research Assistant

Tara Kamalakantha

Tara is a sophomore, double majoring in Public Health and Public Policy. She is committed to advancing equity and efficiency in healthcare. She joined the lab in fall 2024, where she has been investigating the impact of pulse consumption on cardiometabolic health outcomes. Outside the lab, Tara enjoys learning arias and practicing Indian classical music. She is also a passionate advocate for inclusive healthcare policy as a Fellow at Grassroots Democrats HQ.

Associate Program Manager

Andie Meddaugh

Andie graduated from the University of Rochester in 2021 with a Bachelor's of Science in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and dual minors in Psychology and Bioethics. She brings a wealth of prior experience in science and administrative management. Outside of the lab, she has a love for reading, writing, cinema, art, and animals.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Debritu Nane Satato

Dr. Satato earned her PhD in Public Health with a specialization in Nutrition from the University of Bergen, Norway. Her research focuses on global health, nutritional epidemiology, and food systems, with experience in experimental study design, secondary data analysis, dietary assessment, and developing and evaluating nutrition interventions, including work on micronutrient fortification studies. She is committed to fostering learning and providing mentorship. Her goal is to conduct collaborative, policy-relevant research that tackles complex global nutrition challenges and drives meaningful impact.

Research Associate

Blake Smiley

Blake earned his BS in Data Science with a minor in Public Health Foundations. Blake’s research focuses on data curation, data visualization, and database management. In fall 2026 he will begin his graduate work in biostatistics with the goal of developing new statistical methods related to human health, nutrition, and food systems research. Outside of his lab work, Blake has a love of the arts, including painting and music composition.