Maria Carlota Dao

Dr. Maria Carlota Dao is an Assistant Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of New Hampshire's Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems. Her research focuses on obesity, gut microbiota, and health disparities, particularly in aging and minority populations. She holds a PhD in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition from Tufts University, with postdoctoral training at Sorbonne University and INSERM in France.

Dr. Dao teaches courses including Community Nutrition (NUTR 720/820), Nutr Gut Micr (NUTR 927), and Research Methods in Nutrition II (NUTR 961). Her lab investigates dietary patterns, microbiome interactions, and culturally tailored interventions for obesity prevention. She previously worked at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging and has led studies on diabetes prevention programs and weight management barriers in Hispanic/Latino adults.

Her research spans microbiome-cardiometabolic links, fiber intake impacts, and eHealth interventions. Key themes include translational research for high-risk populations and leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address health inequities.