Research using community participatory and mixed methods to position nutrition as central to our wellbeing. Because good health and nutrition should not be a luxury.

Our Mission

To conduct rigorous research that supports communities achieve their well-being by improving their diet, nutrition, and health.

Inviting Communities to the Table

We use participatory research approaches to understand community priorities, leverage partnerships and increase access to healthier eating. Our diverse and dedicated team identifies strategies, uses systems science and mixed methods to highlight where policies and programs are misaligned regarding nutrition.

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As a culmination to this past Hispanic Heritage Month, the Diet Disparities Lab is so grateful for our bright group of Latinx Student Research Assistants. Here we feature two of our wonderful RAs: Natalia and Mia!

DDL celebrates the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to public health.
We honor the trailblazers of the Hispanic and Latino communities, (like our lab’s fearless founder Professor Uriyoan Colon-Ramos), who are driving progress and shaping the future. From innovators to activists, artists to entrepreneurs, these pioneers of change are breaking barriers and leading the way for generations to come.

Let’s celebrate their contributions and continue working together for a brighter future. Share their stories, amplify their voices, and be part of the change!

#HispanicHeritageMonth2024 #PioneersOfChange #DietDisparitiesLab #Research #Foodsystems #GWU
As a perfect kickoff to our project introduction series, Dr. Uriyoán Colón-Ramos’ New Op-Ed, “Sugary Drinks Make Our Water Crisis Worse” has been published in @theprogressivemag this week! The article explains the overwhelming crisis of water insecurity in the United States, which often leads us to turn to sugar-sweetened beverages. However, sugary drinks are not only linked to chronic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes, but they also exacerbate our current global water crisis. This article also connects to one of our primary projects, WaterUp!, which seeks to understand beverage choice motivations in Latino communities, and incentivizes and provides access to safe, affordable drinking water. Visit our website dietdisparities.com or click the link in our bio to read the Op-Ed and learn more! 💧🚰 

#dietdisparities #foodsystems #climatechange #cleanwater #publichealth #watersystems #sustainability #sustainabilityeducation #research
Read more about climate change’s impact on food systems and nutrition in Uriyoán Colón-Ramos’ latest op-ed: “Si somos lo que comemos, ¿qué seremos con el cambio climático?” focusing on Puerto Rico. The link to the article can also be accessed through the Linktree in our bio! 

#dietdisparities #nutrition #GW #publichealth #puertorico #nutritionsecurity #foodsecurity #climatechange #foodsystems #sustainability #puertorico

Research Publications

Google Scholar Logo - link to Uri's Research Papers

Learn more about our research by reviewing our publications on Google Scholar.

Research Projects

Fresh

Focus on Restaurant Engagement to Strengthen Health

Water Up!

Leverage community partnership to increase healthy eating

ECORICO

Transforming local food systems for a healthier planet

NUTRITION SECURITY DURING DISASTERS

Assessing the impact disasters have on nutrition security and how to better prepare for them