Image
Biography
Dr. Larissa Calancie is the Linda and Jeffrey Moslow Assistant Professor of Women’s Health and Menopause at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and a nutrition scientist whose research focuses on eliminating nutrition-related health disparities across the life course. Applying a systems lens to behavioral interventions and community networks, her work aims to improve cardiometabolic health for women from pregnancy through post menopause. She investigates prenatal nutrition through studies of glucose and insulin dynamics during pregnancy and is currently leading a randomized controlled trial leveraging continuous glucose monitoring technology and mobile-based social support to improve health outcomes among pregnant individuals at risk for hyperglycemia, with the goal of informing more personalized prenatal care and support long-term family health. Her research also examines social support as a protective factor against chronic disease among postmenopausal women. To extend the translational impact of her work, Dr. Calancie explores community health equity by studying how organizations, coalitions, and Food Policy Councils, along with broader community-based networks, can strengthen food systems, promote equitable access to nutritious foods, and build healthier, more sustainable communities. Across her research portfolio, she employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to address complex nutrition and public health challenges and to inform intervention design, implementation, and policy.
