Faculty Research: Lora Iannotti
Bio: Dr. Iannotti’s research applies epidemiological methods to investigate interventions aimed at reducing stunted growth and development. Her current research portfolio includes projects in Haiti, Ecuador, and East Africa where she collaborates with local partners to test innovative, transdisciplinary approaches using animal source foods, small livestock, and fisheries development. In Haiti, she currently leads a partnership between Washington University in St. Louis and Universite Publique du Nord au Cap Haitien which has created Haiti’s first undergraduate degree program in public health.
Dr. Iannotti has expertise in the areas of infant and young child nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies (zinc, iron, and vitamin A) affecting resource-poor populations. She is founder and director of the E3 Nutrition Lab, working to identify economically affordable, environmentally sustainable, and evolutionarily appropriate nutrition solutions globally.
Sector of Work: Nutrition; Child Growth & Development, Livestock & Fisheries, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene; Public Health Education
Region/Country: Cap Haitien, Haiti; Quito, Ecuador
Mission: To identify and implement economically affordable, environmentally sustainable, and evolutionarily appropriate nutrition solutions globally.
PRACTICUM DETAILS
Language Requirement: French, Haitian Creole (not required, but preferred for Haiti); Spanish preferred for Ecuador
Possible Projects: Opportunities available through the practicum site include involvement in research evaluating interventions designed to prevent child undernutrition. The current project in Ecuador assesses the impact of a nutrition intervention during pregnancy on fetal growth and brain development. Two projects in Haiti include identifying nutritional determinants of diarrhea and evaluating the impact of a combined nutrition and parenting intervention on child growth and development. In Haiti, students may also be involved in implementation of the new undergraduate degree in public health UPNCH (Public University in the North of Cap-Haitien).
Past Projects of Practicum Students:
1. Key stakeholder interviews with poultry producers in Cap Haitien, Haiti.
2. Assisting instructors teaching a nutrition course at UPNCH.
3. Air quality instrument setup and troubleshooting and air quality data collection
4. Working with UPNCH students to collect air quality data collection
5. Focus groups with pregnant women and interviews with health care providers, and transcription of focus groups and interviews
6. Building community relationships for local university practicum and working on local university public health curriculum
7. Skills past practicum students attained: qualitative data collection, trans-disciplinary problem solving, adapting data collection methodology/protocol, cross-cultural communication, curriculum development, mentorship, etc.
Skills Required: Qualitative and Quantitative Research Skills, Community Mobilization, Health behavior Communication, Education and Training
Cost: Lodging may be provided by Dr. Iannotti, and a small stipend may be available depending on the research project. Flights, potential visa fees, and other meals and expenses are up to the student. Students are required to purchase purchase WUSTL travel insurance for the duration of their practicum for $40/month. Past practicum students have recommended $300 for total expenses (on groceries, restaurants, transportation and beaches).
Travel Immunizations or preventative medication is recommended and may be required for your program participation. Students are responsible for covering all associated costs. Please refer to the
CDC for more information.
Brown School Contact: Dr. Lora Iannotti
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