O’Connor Lab Members

I received my B.S. in molecular biology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and my M.D. from the University of Wisconsin Medical School. I joined Baylor College of Medicine for the first time as a pediatric intern in 1999 and completed a pediatric residency. After a brief stint as a Texas Children's pediatrician, I returned to Baylor and completed a fellowship in Academic General Pediatrics and obtained a MPH from the UT School of Public Health. I joined the faculty at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center in 2007 and am now a professor of pediatrics. I have the privilege of working with a great group of colleagues in the CNRC focusing on obesity prevention and behavioral research, while still spending some of my time in Academic General Pediatrics where I continue to see patients and teach in the Texas Children's Hospital Resident Continuity Clinic. Outside of work, I love cooking, traveling, gardening, hiking, exercising, all while spending time with family. I am passionate about promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors for families and understanding how that can be achieved for all families within a culturally-centered, health equity lens.

I completed my undergraduate studies in Nutrition and Food Science at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. After that, I pursued my Master’s of Science degree at the Gerald J and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition and Policy at Tufts University. There, I specialized in food policy and applied nutrition with a focus in nutrition intervention programs and nutrition communication. In 2006, after working in research at the National School of Public Health in Mexico and being head of the Mexican five-day campaign, I joined the Children’s Nutrition Research Center as a research coordinator. Since then, I have coordinated multiple studies focusing on behavioral research for childhood obesity prevention under the guidance of Dr. Tom Baranowski and currently with Dr. Teresia O’Connor. I’m currently a certified Functional Nutrition practitioner from the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy. On my free time I enjoy barre and spin classes and play tennis.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Sport and Leisure Science at the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Colombia, and my master's and doctorate degrees at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. During my graduate studies, my research combined physical literacy, motor development theory, and biomechanics to promote safe physical activity in children. I focused on developing and testing the validity and reliability of an instrument to measure motor competence and the risk of musculoskeletal injury, as well as designing and implementing an exercise-based intervention. Currently, I am working with Dr. Teresia O’Connor in the Papás Saludables, Niños Saludables (PSNS) program, where I study how the relationship between Hispanic fathers and their children influences weight reduction/prevention and physical activity levels in both. I feel inspired to work on the PSNS program because it gives me the opportunity to connect with my Hispanic roots. I enjoy playing sports and being active. I played volleyball and beach volleyball at national and international levels (the good old times!), and I love running and a good cup of coffee.

In my first year of college I took an introductory psychology course and became interested in human behaviors and the factors that influence them. I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston in 2012. During my time at UH, I became a certified fitness instructor and interested in how to motivate people to exercise and lead a healthier lifestyle. My curiosity in exercise motivation led me to the University of North Texas (UNT) where I obtained my master’s degree in kinesiology, with a concentration in psychosocial aspects of sport and exercise in 2015. In 2019, I returned to UNT to start my collaborative Ph.D. program between the educational psychology and kinesiology departments. The courses I took in these departments and my professors shaped my interest in how the home environment and parents influence children’s physical activity and overall, their development.

For my dissertation, I conducted a mixed-methods study with Head Start families to investigate the roles of home affordances and parental support on children’s physical activity, motor competence, and executive functions. I implemented both quantitative and qualitative research methods to focus on parental involvement and parental physical activity.

My years in North Texas were memorable, as I ran several marathons, worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, obtained my graduate degrees, and became a dog mom to 3 beautiful pups. I am thrilled to be back in Houston where I am close to my family, can enjoy great food, and the weather is warmer. I am excited to be a part of the O’Connor lab where we are conducting the Papas Saludables, Niños Saludables clinical trial. During my time as a postdoc, I will conduct quantitative and qualitative studies with a special focus on fathers from the Papas Saludables, Niños Saludables trial. By conducting these studies, my goal is to fulfill a scientific gap within the parenting and child development literature.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, being outdoors with my dogs, going to the gym, and spending time with my family.

I am a proud Mexican, born and raised in Mexico City. After I received my Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Food Science, I started a Specialty in Obesity and Comorbidities due to the current situation of my country: being number one worldwide in childhood obesity. Aiming to be better prepared to help those most in need, I started a Master's Degree in Applied Nutrition. Throughout the course of my studies and practice, I became passionate about working with children and helping them improve and enjoy their quality of life. I traveled across all of Mexico, creating and applying health and nutrition programs, focusing on children and their families. Today, it makes me proud to be a part of Dr. O’Connor’s Lab and be able to work among such passionate individuals, advocating for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. In my other job (motherhood), I love spending every minute possible watching my babies grow, doing the best I can to make them feel loved and happy. I am also very passionate about conscious motherhood and an advocate for women's rights. I really enjoy some self-time when possible, to be able to decompress and improve everyday as a human being.

I graduated from the University of Houston with a B.S. in Psychology and have worked in the O’Connor lab since October 2020, focusing on the FLASH, TECH, and PSNS studies. My main role at the lab is leading the participant enrollment and data collection for the FLASH studies, as well as the home visits for the TECH Study. Working in human research, given many of our projects involve visiting participant homes, has allowed me to embrace human connection and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the families that participate in our studies. 

I also coordinate the database management and recruitment tracking for the TECH Study. Additionally, part of my role includes conducting fidelity assessments for the PSNS program, which allows me to sneak in some fun exercises with the team! I have a wide net of interests ranging from physiological health to mental/psychological health and am excited to see where that takes me within the lab. I really enjoy being a part of this lab because I get to be surrounded by a hard-working, fun-loving team as well as evolve my own skills and experience. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking/baking, camping, hiking, and spending quality time with my orange cat. 

I’m originally from Kansas and lived in Maryland for a few years before I moved to Texas in 2009. I received my B.S. in biomedical engineering from the University of Houston and my M.S. in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan. My research interests are in machine learning and signal processing for biomedical applications. I started working with the O’Connor Research Lab in the CNRC at the beginning of 2023. As a scientific programmer, I’m mainly involved in data processing, programming, software testing, and device management for studies. I’m currently assisting with the Family Level Assessment of Screen use in the Home (FLASH) study and Technology Effects on Children’s Health (TECH) study led by Dr. O’Connor. In my free time, I enjoy practicing piano, rock climbing, and learning languages.

I am a Mexican dietitian specialized in obesity and related diseases. With a bachelor's degree in nutrition and certifications in Clinical Nutrition and Obesity Management, I have established a solid educational foundation over the past decade. My experience includes an internship at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, as well as roles as a dietitian at daycares focusing on children's nutrition and as a clinical dietitian at The American British Cowdray Hospital in Mexico City, specifically in the Obesity and Nutrition Center. Throughout these positions, I have refined my skills and fostered a compassionate environment for my patients.

Recently, I relocated to Houston, where I have embraced a multicultural environment that allows me to gain insights into different cultures. Currently, I serve as a Research Coordinator in Dr. O'Connor's lab at the Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC). I am actively involved in the "Papás Saludables, Niños Saludables" (Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids) program, contributing to data collection and recruitment efforts. This opportunity allows me to deepen my understanding of the importance of healthy habits and their impact on quality of life.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I find great joy in learning to play the piano, doing exercise, and creating beautiful memories with my family.

With a genuine and a strong commitment to the field of nutrition and research, I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families. 
 

I joined the O’Connor Lab in the summer of 2018. I am a native Texan and was raised in the Rio Grande Valley, near South Padre Island and the border of Mexico. I have a B.S. in exercise science and worked in public health promoting healthy lifestyles programs for children, as well as leading summer camp programs. My main role is the lead facilitator for multiple projects across the CNRC like Papas Saludables, Ninos Saludables and Fit5Kids. My favorite part of working at the O’Connor lab is working with such an enthusiastic and proficient team. Outside of the lab, I enjoy working out, spending time outdoors, traveling and spending time with my family.

I have been doing research at the Children's Nutrition Research Center since 1999. I was born in the suburbs of Houston and over the past 30 plus years have raised a family of five here. It is a privilege to work with Dr. O'Connor's Lab on various projects, the work is challenging and innovative. The best part is that the projects target the specific demographic that I have gained vast experience with throughout my career. My expertise is recruitment and public relations which is how I fit into Fit 5 Kids team and the FLASH study team. I do my best to practice health and well-being, when not working on our projects I enjoy kickboxing, swimming, traveling, and reading. 

I’ve spent my whole life looking for ways to help people improve their health and physical performance and working at Dr. O’Connor’s lab gave me a great opportunity to continue my mission.

My main role is delivering the PSNS program which helps encourage healthy weight management and increase physical activity. I find an indescribable joy watching the smiles of the kids and their parents while they are learning and having fun. I have a B.S. in nutrition from Universidad Central de Venezuela and a M.Sc. degree in Physical Education (Exercise Physiology) from UPEL in Caracas, Venezuela.

In my spare time I enjoy running, exercising, or biking with my family in The Woodlands. I’m more than happy to bring all my energy and experience to the table for this team that is making the most beautiful thing in this world that is helps families become healthier.

My name is Raul Reyes and I will be graduating from Rice University with a B.A. in Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology as well as Health Sciences in May of 2023. I was born and raised in Waco, TX to a family from San Luis, Mexico. I began working in Dr. O’Connor’s Lab in December of 2022 as an Assistant Research Coordinator. My role consists of implementing the Papas Saludables, Ninos Saludables program as a coach, aiding in recruitment, and more. My favorite aspect of my role is being able to see fathers spend quality time with their children while also developing healthy lifestyle skills. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time caring for my plants, going hiking/camping, and listening to music.

Originally from Miami, my teenage interest in equity led me to social justice-oriented Grinnell College, where I double majored in Chemistry and Studio Art. Following graduation, I completed a Johns Hopkins University Master of Science in Education , concurrently fulfilling a two-year commitment with Teach for America at a predominantly Hispanic Title I school in Houston. It was here, amidst my teaching role, that I became acutely aware of the many challenges low-income students/families face, such as accessing proper nutrition, exercise, and fitness.

In January 2024, after completing my teaching commitment and M.S.Ed., I joined the O'Connor Lab and am currently engaged with the Papás Saludables, Niños Saludables program. This health equity research study aligns with my passion for promoting healthier lifestyles among Hispanic families and youth. As a coordinator, I play a pivotal role in program implementation, participant recruitment, and coaching. Plus, being a part of this lab allows me to contribute significantly to the well-being of my communities, continuing my journey of making a positive impact.

When not working on research, I indulge in my artistic side by playing music or oil painting. It's a great way to unwind and relax. However, when I need to escape reality completely, you can often find me either gaming or reading a book.

Although born and raised in Venezuela, I received my B.S in Food and Human Nutrition from Newcastle University in England, and my M.S in Dietetics from Queen Margaret University in Scotland. After graduating, I received my certification, and I am now a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist in the UK. During my studies and clinical experience studying, my passion for nutrition and helping others increased.

In 2023 I came back to Houston and in January 2024 I joined Dr. O'Connor's lab as Research Coordinator for Papas Saludables, Niños Saludables. I enjoy working with a great friendly team, while also helping families across the Houston area.

In my spare time I love to explore different coffee shops as I am a huge coffee lover. I also enjoy working out, eating, travelling, and spending time with my family and friends.