Alexandra DiFeliceantonio

Alexandra DiFeliceantonio is an Assistant Professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on appetitive neuroscience, exploring how ultra-processed foods influence brain responses and eating behaviors. She investigates the neural mechanisms underlying food cravings and addiction-like responses to processed foods, particularly their impact on metabolic and vascular systems.

Education:

• B.S. in Psychology, Sweet Briar College (2008)
• Ph.D. in Biopsychology, University of Michigan (2013)

Research Interests: Her work examines how ultra-processed foods (e.g., snack cakes, doughnuts) trigger potent neural signals, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. She emphasizes the social justice implications of food accessibility, particularly in youth and underserved communities.
Her NIH-funded studies use brain imaging and metabolic analysis to assess food reactions and advocate for policy reforms.

Key Contributions: Cited in Scientific American for linking ultra-processed food consumption to addictive behaviors similar to substance use disorders.

Grants & Labs: Leads NIH-funded research at Fralin, focusing on ultra-processed food’s neurological and physiological effects. Collaborates on studies measuring gut-brain signaling and vascular responses post-consumption.

Labs/Teams: Directs research teams at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, integrating neuroscience, behavioral science, and public health approaches.