Research 1
Abstract: Menopause is a significant biological transition characterized by hormonal changes that lead to various symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. While nutrition has been suggested to influence menopausal symptom severity, limited research has examined the relationship between dietary patterns and symptom relief using advanced analytical methods. This study employs machine learning techniques, specifically Random Forest regression, to analyze publicly available data (N=3,302) from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) to identify dietary factors associated with symptom severity and relief. Results suggest that fruit and vegetable consumption is correlated with lower symptom severity, whereas high-fat and high-sodium diets exacerbate symptoms. Long-term supplementation of vitamins C and E was associated with reduced severity of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and sleep disturbances. These findings underscore the importance of personalized dietary interventions in managing menopause-related health concerns.
Title: Using Machine Learning to Identify Dietary Predictors of Menopausal Symptoms: Insights into Foods Associated with Symptom Severity and Relief
Research 2
Title: An Outcome Evaluation of a 6-Week Medically Tailored Meal Program in Georgia
Abstract: Many of the nation’s leading causes of morbidity and mortality are related to poor nutrition - each week, poor nutrition causes 10,000 deaths nationwide. Food is Medicine programs aim to improve health by providing direct access to nutritious food and nutrition education. Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) are specifically designed to meet the nutrition needs of people living with complex chronic conditions and food and nutrition insecurity.
Research Experience
Overview: Tufts Summer Research Experience Overview
Research 3
Title: Evaluation of Ingestion Exposure to Microplastics Focusing on Korean Pregnant and lactating Women
Abstract: Exposure to microplastics is rising as a global issue and specifically a nationwide concern in the Republic of Korea. In this regard, exposure to sensitive population groups, pregnant and lactating women, is essential. In this study, the exposure through ingestion was analyzed considering microplastic levels in potentially risky food items. To do this, I utilized the data provided by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS) of Korea and the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) to estimate the daily intake of microplastics, focusing on pregnant and lactating women. Results suggest that pregnant and lactating women have a significantly higher intake of microplastic during their pregnancy and lactating period due to a higher intake of seaweed items such as sea mustard, sea lettuce, and laver, compared to other women. Results are concerning as microplastic exposure during fetal development can cause serious health consequences. Accordingly, to protect sensitive groups including pregnant and lactating women, guidelines or regulations that monitor the concentration of microplastics are needed. Moreover, conducting health effect studies on acute and chronic exposure to microplastics for pregnant and lactating women, along with expanded studies on a wider spectrum of food sources are crucially required.