Maria J. Romo-Palafox, PhD, RDN, LD

Saint Louis University (SLU)

As an Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at Saint Louis University and the leader of the MUNCH (Multicultural Understanding of Nutrition, Community and Health) Research Lab, I have guided my team to tackle issues related to culture, education, and socioeconomic status that affect people’s dietary patterns. Our current projects include Mama Latina, WIC Dietitians Making a Difference, Becoming a Mother, Gentle Nutrition, and Dietitians and Food Marketing. Each project has contributed to the development of culturally relevant theoretical frameworks and identified core biological, psychological, and social factors that determine eating habits. I have substantial training and experience in multiple areas of nutrition research, ranging from conducting fieldwork with indigenous rural populations in Mexico to working with Hispanic and immigrant caregivers in Texas, Connecticut, and Missouri.