Mark Pereira

Mark Pereira is a Professor at the University of Minnesota within the Division of Epidemiology & Community Health. His research focuses on the etiology, epidemiology, and prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the interplay between lifestyle factors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, nutrition) and environmental conditions like urban greenspace access to reduce chronic disease burdens.

Research Interests span diverse areas including:

• Advancing understanding of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease mechanisms
• Evaluating lifestyle interventions via wearable technology and social media
• Methodological critiques of food processing in nutritional epidemiology
• Advocating for standardized definitions in whole-grain food research
• Investigating genetic heterogeneity in diabetes across populations

Awards include the 2012 Outstanding Faculty Award from the University of Minnesota Council of Graduate Students.