Shannon L. Lennon, PhD, RDN | Principal Investigator

Professor, University of Delaware, Department of Kinesiology & Applied Physiology

slennon@udel.edu

Dr. Lennon earned her PhD from the University of Florida before completing her postdoctoral training at the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute at Boston University Medical Center. She came to Delaware in 2007 and is currently an Associate Professor. Dr. Lennon has a background in nutrition and her interests span diet and cardiovascular health and disease. In her free time, she likes to watch her kids sporting events and run the trails in the White Clay Creek Preserve.

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Cesar Jacintho Mortiz, PhD | Postdoctoral Researcher

cmoritz@udel.edu

Cesar is from Brazil, and besides his Physical Therapy degree, he has a master’s degree in medical science and a Ph.D. in Human Movement Sciences from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Besides, from 2021 to 2023, Cesar did his first postdoctoral training in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida. His research interests are focused on mechanisms and strategies of cardiovascular protection. Outside the workplace, Cesar enjoys having barbecues with family and friends, and watching movies and TV shows.

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Liza Walker, B.S. | Lab Coordinator

lizaj@udel.edu

Liza has been with the University of Delaware since 2008, first serving as a research coordinator for the Physical Therapy Department, and now, working as a lab coordinator for the Cardiovascular Labs. Her main interests are in health and nutrition.   Outside of work you can find her testing new recipes, gardening, running and playing tennis.

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Kristina Krieger, MS, RD, LDN | Registered Dietitian

davisk@udel.edu

Kristina received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Human Nutrition from the University of Delaware. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Iowa. After spending 3 years practicing clinical dietetics in a hospital setting, Kristina returned to UD to work as the Registered Dietitian in the Cardiovascular Nutrition Research Lab. In her spare time Kristina enjoys spending time with her dogs and indulging in delicious meals and desserts.

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Kate Kaseman, BS | PhD Student

kkaseman@udel.edu

Kate earned her BS in Exercise Science from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. In addition to schooling, many years of work as a massage therapist gave her a profound interest in the human body and the desire for knowledge which could benefit the lives of others. She is particularly interested in the cardiovascular system and the effects of diet and exercise. Outside of work and studying, Kate enjoys running, kickboxing, skiing on the local mountains, exploring the great outdoors, and cooking new, healthy, and occasionally unhealthy recipes.

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jmirwin@udel.edu

Jessica earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Exercise Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology respectively, from East Stroudsburg University. During this time, she competed for the East Stroudsburg University Women’s Volleyball team. Her research interests began during High School when she worked in a Nutrition Lab at Pennsylvania State University studying iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant women. She is now currently interested in the effects of diet and exercise on the cardiovascular system in both healthy and clinical populations. In her free time, she likes lifting, cooking, and traveling.

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Lab Alumni

• Mike Axler, PhD (2019-2023): Assistant Professor, Jacksonville University
• Kyle Shuler, PhD (2018-2022): Postdoctoral Researcher, Johns Hopkins University
• Macarena Ramos Gonzalez, PhD (2017-2022): Associate Medical Writer, CMC Connect
• Katarina Smiljanec, PhD (2016-2021): Archer Daniels Midland Company, Scientist, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs
• Alexis Mbakwe, MS (2016-2020) Medical student at West Virginia University School of Medicine
• Christina Ushler, MS, RD (2017-2019) Registered Dietitian, Director and Owner, Wellness by Christiana
• Rachel Dye, MS (2016-2018) Nutritionist at Delaware WIC Program
• Michelle Zuelch, MS, RD (2015-2017) PhD student at UC Davis in Nutritional Sciences
• John Guers, PhD, (2012-2016) Assistant Professor at Rider University
• Beth Nachman, MS (2014-2016) Clinical Trial Assistant, INC Research/InVentiv Health
• Karen Stave, MS, RD (2013-2015) Registered Dietitian at Duke University Health System
• Brooke Weaver, MS (2012-2014) Principal Scientist at Nutrition & Dietary Supplements at McCormick & Company
• Courtney Ferreira, MS, RD, LDN, CPT (2012-2014) Dietitian at Crossover Health
• Brittany Allman, MS (2011-2013) Assistant Professor, University of Central Arkansas
• Taylor Schellhardt, MS, MAPS, RD (2009-2012) Physician Assistant, Cleveland Clinic