Find Academic Supervisors

Annette SchürmannView profile

Professor

• Diabetes Research
• Obesity Research
• Metabolic Syndrome
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Annette Schürmann serves as Head of the Department of Experimental Diabetology at the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE) and holds a W3 professorship in Experimental Diabetology at the University of Potsdam. Since 2014, she has been the spokesperson for the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), a major scientific network focused on diabetes prevention and treatment strategies. Her research program investigates the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, with particular focus on genetic and epigenetic changes contributing to obesity development and beta cell death. Schürmann's team examines influence of different diets and analyzes possible protective effects of food components, along with studying vesicular transport processes in insulin secretion from beta cells. Her laboratory has made significant discoveries including identifying novel genes related to white fat cell formation and liver fat metabolism. Her recent publications reveal important insights into obesity and diabetes mechanisms, particularly her work on genes that promote white adipocyte formation (2018) and protect against hepatic steatosis through lipophagy activation (2020). These studies contribute significantly to understanding the genetic basis of metabolic disorders and potential therapeutic targets. Honors include: DAG Medal of the German Obesity Society (2021) for outstanding lifetime achievements in obesity research Hellmut-Otto-Medaille of the German Diabetes Society (2021) Werner-Creutzfeld-Preis of the German Diabetes Society (2016) Schürmann actively contributes to the scientific community through leadership roles including membership in the Senate and Approval Committee of the German Research Foundation (DFG) since 2022, previous board membership in the German Diabetes Society (2014-2018), and the German Obesity Society (2013-2015). Her department serves as a hub for diabetes and obesity research, collaborating with multiple institutions within the DZD network to advance understanding of metabolic diseases.

Priscilla AyineView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nutrition Security
• Healthy Food Access
• Food Systems
• +3 more

Dr. Priscilla Ayine serves as an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Nutrition Security and Healthy Eating at Tennessee State University's College of Agriculture, joining the faculty in October 2023. Her work bridges academic research with community-focused solutions to address nutritional disparities. Her educational foundation includes: PhD in Nutrition Science from Auburn University MS in Food and Nutritional Science from Tuskegee University BEd in Basic Education from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana Teaching Diploma from Boscos College of Education, Navrongo, Ghana Dr. Ayine's research centers on Nutrition Security , Healthy Food Access , and Food Systems , with specialized focus on community-engaged interventions and school-based health initiatives . She investigates socioeconomic determinants of childhood obesity, parental influences on dietary behaviors, and biological mechanisms linking nutrition to cardiovascular health, particularly in underserved rural and low-income populations. Analysis of her 2019-2022 publications reveals consistent exploration of obesity drivers across biological, environmental, and behavioral domains. Key trends include microbiome-obesity interactions, sleep-diet relationships, and structural interventions targeting food access through school and community channels. Her accolades demonstrate early-career excellence: GMaP Travel Award (2022) Texas A&M Postdoctoral Scholar Travel Award (2022) Auburn University Distinguished Dissertation Award (2021) Multiple research symposium awards (2016-2021) Dr. Ayine currently leads a $143,177 American Heart Association project evaluating parent engagement in school health initiatives (2023-2025) and previously contributed to a GMaP-funded study on infant nutrition. Her extension role involves direct community collaboration to translate research into actionable programs across Tennessee.

Kelly Ann RenwickView profile

Assistant Professor

• Global and Population Health
• Food Insecurity and Health
• Global Health and Climate Change
• +3 more

Dr. Kelly Ann Renwick serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Appalachian State University, primarily teaching within the Global Studies program. Her interdisciplinary expertise integrates human geography, epidemiology, and social determinants of health to address critical population health challenges. Her academic credentials include: PhD in Geography from McGill University, Montréal, Québec MA in Geography from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC BS in Biology from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC BA in English from High Point University, High Point, NC Dr. Renwick's research centers on global health disparities, with particular emphasis on food insecurity impacts, climate change intersections, and vulnerabilities among marginalized populations. She currently leads collaborative research with Meredith College examining food assistance program utilization and diet-related health outcomes (including obesity and diabetes) within North Carolina High Country Latino/a/x communities, aiming to improve nutritional equity and reduce health disparities. Her publication record reveals consistent focus on psychosocial determinants in geriatric health, with recent work analyzing how social isolation and support systems influence mortality and hospitalization patterns among aging Canadians. These studies demonstrate methodological rigor in social epidemiology and contribute to understanding structural health inequities. No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. As an educator, Dr. Renwick teaches foundational and specialized courses including Contemporary Global Issues, Critical Perspectives on Global Studies, Global Disparities in Human Health, and Global Health and Climate Change. Her community engagement extends beyond campus through active collaboration with Meredith College researchers on food insecurity initiatives and board service with Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture. She maintains significant community involvement as a board member of Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, a nonprofit advancing equitable local food systems in North Carolina's High Country, reflecting her commitment to practical applications of food justice principles.

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Malnutrition Assessment
• Nutrition Education
• +4 more

Dr. Helen McCarthy is a Professor at Victoria University in Australia, serving as Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching in the College of Sport, Health & Engineering. She previously held roles as Deputy Associate Dean (2023-2025) and Co-Director of Learning and Teaching (2021-2022). As Course Chair for the Bachelor of Human Nutrition, Bachelor of Nutritional Science/Master of Dietetics, and Master of Dietetics programs, she plays a pivotal leadership role in nutrition education at the university. Her educational background includes a BSc (Hons) from Ulster University (1991), UK PgC HEP (2009), and PhD (2008). Professionally, she is a Registered Dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council (UK) since 1991, a former Full Member of the British Dietetic Association (1991-2019), and an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with Dietitians Australia since 2017. She also earned Fellowship in the Higher Education Academy in 2014. Dr. McCarthy's research focuses on pediatric and neonatal nutrition support, malnutrition identification and management across age groups, and effective nutrition education strategies. She is best known as the lead investigator in developing and validating the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP), which has become an important clinical tool internationally. Her work spans clinical practice, educational interventions, and nutritional assessment methodologies. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in geriatric nutrition alongside her pediatric expertise, with growing interest in digital health interventions, sarcopenia in older adults, and the application of nutrition frameworks like EAT-Lancet to specific populations. Her research demonstrates consistent focus on practical clinical tools and evidence-based approaches to nutrition screening and assessment across the lifespan. Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2014) As an active supervisor, Dr. McCarthy leads or co-supervises multiple graduate research projects including studies on healthy eating approaches for people with intellectual disability, nutrient associations with physical performance in military personnel, and family-focused food literacy interventions. She has served as external examiner for pre-registration dietetic programs in the UK and Europe and for the Masters in Paediatric Dietetics at Plymouth University. Her professional service includes being a founding steering committee member of the Need for Nutrition Education Programme, Australia and New Zealand Network, past Chair of the BDA Education Board, and member of the BDA Council. Dr. McCarthy collaborates extensively across disciplines, working with teams from other fields to embed nutrition knowledge appropriately in their courses through innovative unit design. Her leadership extends to media appearances in the UK and Ireland discussing childhood nutrition and serving as a journal reviewer and guest editor for multiple publications.

• Child and Adolescent Health
• Community Health
• Global Health
• +7 more

Marni Sommer is a Professor of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, where she leads the Gender, Adolescent Transitions and Environment (GATE) Program. Her work spans global health, adolescent development, menstrual health and hygiene, and the intersection of public health with education and gender issues. She has established herself as a leading expert in menstrual health research, particularly in low-resource and humanitarian settings. BS, 1994 University of Pennsylvania BS, 1999 Johns Hopkins University MS, 2001 Johns Hopkins University MPH, 2001 Johns Hopkins University DrPH, 2008 Columbia University Dr. Sommer's research focuses on child and adolescent health, community health, global health, and maternal and reproductive health with particular emphasis on menstrual health and hygiene. Her work explores how puberty, menstruation, and gender intersect with education, health systems, and environmental factors to shape adolescent development trajectories. She has pioneered research on menstrual health in humanitarian contexts, recognizing that over 26 million displaced girls and women struggle to manage menstruation safely and with dignity. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications, developing puberty education materials used in over ten countries worldwide. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on menstrual health infrastructure, particularly menstrual-friendly public toilets across global urban settings. Her research spans both low- and high-income contexts, examining menstrual health in humanitarian emergencies, schools, universities, and among homeless populations. There's a clear trajectory toward systems-level interventions that address menstrual health beyond product provision to include infrastructure, policy, and education. Doctoral Dissertation with Distinction, 2008 Marisa de Castro Benton Award for Outstanding Dissertation in Sociomedical Sciences, 2008 Award for Excellence in Global Health for a Doctoral Student, 2008 The Johns Hopkins Nurses' Alumni Association Award, 1999 Dr. Sommer leads the GATE Program, which has secured funding from sources including Elrha's Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises, USAID's Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance, and the Waterloo Foundation. Her work has resulted in practical tools including the MHM in Emergencies Toolkit, Menstrual Disposal Guidance Compendium, and the Menstrual-Friendly Public Toilet Toolkit. She has established partnerships with the International Rescue Committee, UN agencies, and researchers worldwide to translate research into actionable programs. The GATE Program operates across multiple domains including global puberty research (developing puberty books in ten countries), menstrual health in emergencies (addressing the needs of displaced populations), menstrual health in the U.S. (focusing on adolescents, homelessness, and universities), and menstrual-friendly public toilets (a six-city global study). Dr. Sommer's approach integrates community-based participatory research with practical resource development to address critical gaps in adolescent health and menstrual health globally.

Lise JansView profile

Associate Professor

• Social-Environmental Psychology
• Group Processes
• Social Identity
• +4 more

Dr. Lise Jans is an Associate Professor in Social-Environmental Psychology at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. She leads research on group processes, social identity, and sustainability transitions, focusing on community-driven initiatives. Her work integrates psychology, policy, and interdisciplinary approaches to address climate change and energy transitions. Education: PhD in Social Psychology from University of Groningen (2013). Research Interests: Her studies explore how bottom-up initiatives, social identity, and collective agency drive sustainable behavior. She investigates factors influencing citizen engagement in energy communities and climate adaptation strategies. Key projects include the Speak Up initiative on citizen participation and EC2 on energy citizenship. Articles: Recent work analyzes inclusive community energy initiatives, collective transilience in climate adaptation, and energy citizenship frameworks. These studies highlight the interplay between individual and group dynamics in fostering sustainability. Awards: EC2 Grant (2021), RKTS Grant (2022), Best Poster Award (2017), and Horizon 2020 funding. Grants/Advising: Leads projects on smart grid design, energy transitions, and interdisciplinary sustainability research. Collaborates with governmental and NGO partners to translate findings into policy. Labs/Teams: Part of the Environmental Psychology team, focusing on community-based solutions and sustainable development goals.

Stephan ZipfelView profile

Professor

• Psychosomatic Medicine
• Eating Disorders
• Gerontology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. med. Stephan Zipfel is a Professor and Head of the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen. His primary affiliation is within the Faculty of Medicine, specializing in psychosomatic disorders, eating disorders, and gerontology. He leads the HELP (Helping the Elderly to enjoy Long complete lives) initiative, focusing on geriatric science research and societal engagement. His research spans clinical and translational studies in psychosomatic medicine, with a focus on eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, binge-eating disorder), psycho-oncology, and mental health interventions. He is involved in the KOMET Eating Disorder Center, advancing clinical care, research, and prevention. His work integrates basic science findings into patient care, emphasizing translational approaches. Prof. Zipfel oversees teaching programs in psychosomatic medicine, including clinical training for medical students, psychologists, and midwives. He promotes clinician-scientist training, offering structured doctoral programs and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. His department also provides specialized courses like the 80-hour 'Psychosomatic Basic Care' program for physicians. Key projects include the STARKIDS study (pediatric obesity prevention) and the TWINCORD-EDID study exploring genetic and environmental factors in eating disorders. He advocates for academic freedom and interdisciplinary research, addressing societal challenges like demographic change and mental health disparities.

Melanie DirksView profile

Professor

• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Science
• Peer Relationships
• +6 more

Professor Melanie Dirks is the Department Chair of Psychology at McGill University, specializing in Clinical Psychology and Developmental Science . Her research focuses on mapping social and emotional skills across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, with emphasis on peer/sibling relationships and their impact on psychological symptoms. Uses multimodal methodologies: observational studies, daily diaries, emotion recognition tasks Current projects: friendship quality maintenance, interpersonal victimization in youth, emotional communication dynamics Key research themes from publications include: Peer Relationships : Dissolution patterns, prosocial behavior, bullying, and dating aggression Emotional Processing : Vocal emotion recognition, neural reward responses, stress-neuroimaging links Contextual Influences : Family dynamics, socioeconomic status, post-pandemic social changes Her lab ( CASC Lab ) trains students in advanced social-emotional assessment techniques, with notable advisees including *Morningstar, *Gilbert, and *Santucci. Google Scholar articles (2014-2025) demonstrate expertise in developmental psychopathology, social neuroscience, and cross-cultural mental health determinants.

Matt IrwinView profile

Lecturer

• Colorectal Surgery
• Patient Advocacy
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• +5 more

Dr. Matt Irwin is a Conjoint Lecturer at the School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, and holds an affiliation with the University of Sydney. He specializes in colorectal surgery and subspecialty training, with a focus on patient advocacy, evidence-based practice, and surgical education. He coordinates courses for the Master of Surgery and Master of Critical Care programs at the University of Sydney and has received teaching awards at both institutions. His research spans colorectal surgery, surgical techniques, and healthcare technology, with publications in journals like Colorectal Disease , ANZ Journal of Surgery , and BMJ Case Reports . Notable work includes studies on the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT in patient education and pandemic-related disruptions to cancer screening programs. Irwin has presented at international conferences, including the European Society of Coloproctology and the Australasian Gastro-intestinal Trials Group. His mentorship of junior doctors and leadership in surgical training underscore his commitment to advancing medical education and clinical practice. He has pioneered techniques like video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) and contributed to studies on endoanal ultrasonography and trauma care. His work often integrates clinical innovation with patient-centered outcomes, reflecting his dedication to improving surgical practice and healthcare accessibility.

Ryan CronkView profile

Assistant Professor

• Water and Environmental Health
• Public Health
• WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene)
• +5 more

Ryan Cronk, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Gillings School of Global Public Health. He serves as the research director for the Water Institute at UNC, focusing on water and environmental health in low-resource settings. His work bridges scientific, policy, and practical dimensions, emphasizing WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) in healthcare facilities, rural water security, and sustainable management of water systems. Dr. Cronk holds a BS in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia (2009), and both MS and PhD degrees in Environmental Sciences and Engineering from UNC Chapel Hill (2013, 2017). His research explores topics such as microbial water quality, community-managed water systems, and the role of environmental conditions in healthcare settings. He has conducted fieldwork in Malawi, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and other regions, addressing challenges like waterborne infections, sanitation infrastructure sustainability, and policy implementation. Key research themes include environmental health in healthcare facilities, WASH monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and the intersections between water security and public health. He has contributed to UN-led initiatives and global health policy discussions, advocating for standardized terminology and improved data accessibility in water governance. Dr. Cronk's work has informed global guidelines, including the UN resolution on WASH in healthcare facilities. He collaborates with researchers, NGOs, and policymakers to translate evidence into actionable strategies, particularly in contexts of displacement and resource-limited environments. His publications span peer-reviewed journals and policy reports, addressing both technical and systemic challenges in achieving equitable water access.

• Early Childhood Education
• Child Development
• Educational Policy
• +5 more

Dr. Diane M. Horm is the George Kaiser Family Foundation Endowed Chair of Early Childhood Education and Founding Director of the Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. She holds a Ph.D. in Child Development with a specialization in Early Childhood Education, a post-master’s in School Psychology, and a master’s in Developmental Psychology. Prior to OU, she served as Associate Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Rhode Island. Her research focuses on early childhood education quality, teacher well-being, program evaluation, and policy-relevant initiatives. Notable projects include collaborations with Tulsa’s Educare programs and multi-university studies tracking child development from Pre-K through Grade 3. She leads the ECEI in advancing applied research, such as OK-AIR (Indoor Environment Research) and OKFutures evaluations. Key areas of expertise include early childhood workforce stability, health and nutrition in childcare settings, and mitigating disparities in educational outcomes. Her work bridges theory and practice through partnerships with institutions like Harvard and Georgetown Universities, emphasizing scalable solutions for vulnerable populations. Education: Ph.D. in Child Development (Early Childhood Education) Post-Master’s in School Psychology Master’s in Developmental Psychology Labs/Teams: Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI), OK-AIR Research Initiative Grants and funding details are not explicitly listed, but her position as an endowed chair underscores sustained institutional support for her research. She actively advises on policy and practice, advocating for evidence-based early childhood interventions.

Steven B. CastleberryView profile

Professor

• Wildlife Ecology
• Forest Management
• Endangered Species Conservation
• +4 more

Dr. Steven B. Castleberry is a Professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management at the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. He holds the title of Certified Wildlife Biologist® and specializes in wildlife ecology with a focus on non-game species, endangered species conservation, and wildlife-forest management interactions. Education: Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, West Virginia University (2000) M.S. in Forest Resources, University of Georgia (1997) B.S. in Forest Resources, University of Georgia (1993) Research Interests: His work centers on bat ecology, habitat selection by wildlife, disease impacts on populations (e.g., white-nose syndrome), ecological engineering effects (e.g., pocket gophers), and translocation strategies for endangered species. He employs spatial modeling, genetic analysis, and long-term monitoring techniques to address conservation challenges in forested ecosystems. Recent Trends in Publications: Over the past decade, Castleberry has focused on bat population dynamics, particularly in the context of disease-driven declines and habitat responses. His work also explores human-wildlife interactions in managed forests and the ecological roles of burrowing species like the southeastern pocket gopher. Recent studies highlight innovative methods such as Bioblitz surveys and translocation experiments to address conservation priorities. Scientific Awards: Certified Wildlife Biologist® (active certification) Advising & Grants: While explicit student names aren't listed, his collaborative publications suggest extensive graduate student involvement in field projects. His research has been supported by grants focusing on endangered species recovery, forest management impacts, and disease ecology. Labs & Teams: Engaged with interdisciplinary teams at the University of Georgia addressing wildlife conservation challenges in southeastern ecosystems. Active collaborations involve federal agencies (e.g., USGS) and NGOs focused on species recovery programs.

Mandy PlumbView profile

Associate Professor

• Motor Control
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Pediatrics
• +3 more

Mandy Plumb is an Associate Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the School of Science and Technology, University of New England (UNE), Armidale Campus. Her work integrates neuroscience, motor control, and sports science to address critical gaps in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders and female athlete development, with strong community engagement through The Female Co initiative. Education: Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (2023), University of New England PhD in Orthopaedic Surgery (2005), University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK BSc (Hons) in Sports Science (2000), University of Wales, Bangor, UK Research Interests: Dr. Plumb's primary focus spans two interconnected domains: (1) Pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders, where she investigates motor proficiency, sleep patterns, and mental wellbeing in children with ADHD, Autism, and Developmental Coordination Disorder using fNIRS brain imaging and biomechanical analysis; and (2) Female athlete development, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls from remote Australia, through The Female Co's holistic programs combining athletic testing, strength conditioning, and recovery monitoring. Her work bridges clinical exercise physiology with community-based interventions to address health disparities. Publication Trends: Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2024) reveals three dominant research thrusts: motor control in neurodevelopmental disorders (35% of articles), sports injury epidemiology in cricket (27%), and female athlete performance optimization (20%). Methodologically, she increasingly employs neuroimaging (fNIRS) alongside biomechanical analysis, with growing emphasis on community-level interventions and health equity for underserved populations. Scientific Awards: Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy Advising and Grants: Dr. Plumb has successfully supervised 3 PhD, 50 Master's, and 46 Honours students to completion, with current mentorship of 1 MPhil and 1 Master's candidate. Her research is supported through strategic partnerships with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (serving on Course Accreditation Committee since 2021), Sports Medicine Australia, and The Female Co, focusing on grants related to neurodevelopmental interventions and athlete development programs for remote communities. Labs and Teams: As Board Member and Athletic Performance Lead for The Female Co, she directs comprehensive programs including baseline athlete testing, sleep monitoring, strength and conditioning, and recovery protocols for emerging female athletes from discrete remote regions. Her campus-based work utilizes UNE's motor control laboratories equipped for fNIRS, motion capture, and biomechanical analysis, with strong ties to the Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre for community health mapping.

Sarantopoulos PanagiotisView profile

Assistant Professor

• Digital Marketing
• E-commerce
• Consumer Behavior
• +3 more

Sarantopoulos Panagiotis is an Assistant Professor of Management in the Department of Business Administration at Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). He previously served as a Lecturer in Marketing at Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester. His research focuses on applying marketing analytics to digital marketing, e-commerce, pricing strategies, and consumer responses to AI in marketing contexts. His work has been published in top journals such as the Journal of Marketing Research , Journal of Business Research , and International Journal of Electronic Commerce , earning awards at conferences and funding from multinational corporations. He has been honored with multiple teaching excellence awards from the University of Manchester. Research interests include algorithmic pricing, consumer trust in digital platforms, omnichannel retail strategies, and the integration of big data analytics into customer experience management. His articles consistently explore the intersection of technology, consumer behavior, and strategic marketing practices. He teaches core marketing courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at AUEB, including Principles of Marketing, Strategic E-Marketing, and Marketing Analytics. His academic contributions highlight a strong focus on practical applications of theoretical frameworks in real-world marketing challenges. Key achievements include recognized scholarly impact and pedagogical innovation, with a portfolio emphasizing technology-driven marketing solutions and consumer-centric strategies. His work bridges academic research and industry needs, addressing topics like pricing dynamics, omnichannel integration, and AI applications in marketing.

Christine HippertView profile

Professor

• Cultural Anthropology
• Food Security
• International Development
• +7 more

Christine Hippert, PhD/MPH, is the Associate Dean of Faculty and Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Loyola University Chicago. She holds a dual appointment in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Her work focuses on cultural anthropology, public health, and international development, with a specialization in Latin America and the Caribbean. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, examining issues of food security, migration, and social justice. Education: PhD in Anthropology (University of Pittsburgh, 2007), MPH in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences (University of Pittsburgh, 2007), MA in Anthropology (University of Wyoming, 2000), BA in Psychology (Clark University, 1994). Her research employs a social-ecology framework to explore how marginalized communities access essential resources while preserving cultural identity and environmental sustainability. Recent projects include a book analyzing food credit systems in the Dominican Republic and evaluations of U.S.-based food programs. She collaborates with undergraduate students on applied research, such as the Farm 2 School initiative. Hippert has received multiple awards, including the Eagle Teaching Award (2018), Fulbright-Hays Fellowship (2005), and Boren Language Fellowship (2004). Professional affiliations include the American Anthropological Association and the Latin American Studies Association. Her work bridges academia and community action, aiming to eliminate poverty and promote equity through participatory methodologies.