Research interests include: the study of the effects of malnutrition and specific nutrient deficiencies on children’s cognitive development in low-income countries; the effects of poverty and food insecurity on Rhode Island families and children; and the study of  and how access to nutritional assistance programs. Program evaluation research examines the effectiveness of various aspects of the Food Stamp Outreach Project and selected Food Stamp Program policies.  

Examples of current research projects

• Making Ends Meet  a qualitative study of low-income women's experiences in trying to feed themselves and their families.  Prepared by Karli Kondo, Doctoral student in Psychology, GRA to the Partnership on Food, Hunger and Nutrition.

• Food Insecurity and Hunger: 

• Breakfast preferences- a study of families utilizing the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale, survey of children's breakfast preference and need.

• President's Partnership on Food, Hunger and Nutrition (2004-2007).  To examine issues of hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition and poor health with an interdisciplinary focus. 

Examples of previous research projects

• RI Poll on Hunger Awareness (April 2000 Results Fall 2000);

• With America's Second Harvest National Poll on Hunger Awareness (Fall 2000);

• With the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences Research on Food Stamp Participation and Education (Fall-Spring 2001);

• With the RI Health Department - Food Security Assessment (Spring 2001);

• With the RI Community Food Bank - Faces and Facts of Hunger (Spring 2001).