Graduate Students

Mali Hosseinzadeh
Graduate Research Assistant
Email: mphossei@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Mali is a student in the M.S. Nutrition program and has been working with Dr. Shriver on the iGrow project since January 2021. This longitudinal study is evaluating the relationship between mothers and infants to learn about biological and social factors that influence healthy growth and development. Mali is particularly interested in parenting and feeding behaviors that develop in early life. In addition to the MS and iGrow project, she is completing the dietetics program to become a Registered Dietitian. In the future, Mali plans to continue pursuing her research interest as an RD.

Esther Iwayemi
Email: efiwayemia@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Valeria Jakab
Dietetic Intern
Email: vlllanos@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Valeria received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition in Dietetics with a minor in History from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and returned to pursue her Master’s through the MS/DI program. Valeria is interested in understanding the effect and influence that a person’s culture through their cultural foods have on a person’s health. She aspires to become a Registered Dietitian once she graduates. 

Bailey Jefferson
Dietetic Intern

Email: bmjeffe2@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Bailey graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Human Dietetics from UNCG. She is continuing her studies through the MS/DI program at UNCG in hopes to become a Registered Dietitian working for the FDA to help in Nutrition Policy.   

Tim Kanter
Email: TJKANTNER@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Tim is MS/DI student who completed his bachelors in dietetics at UNCG in 2025. He has gained experience in clinical, sports, and community environments. This included as a dietary aide at Victory Junction Camp, working Appalachian State football and UNCG men’s soccer, and Second Harvest Food Bank. He is passionate about performance nutrition and the application of science-based principles in the everyday. 

Lindsey Lemus
Graduate Assistant
Email: lgisenho@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Lindsey is a PhD student in the Armah lab here at UNCG. Her research focus is investigating the effects of almond consumption on iron status, inflammation, and gut microbial composition. She is passionate about nutrition research. 

Ebony Reynolds
Email: efreynolds@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Ebony is excited to begin the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship (MS/DI) program at UNCG fall 2025. She is passionate about hormone health, autoimmune nutrition, and performance-based fueling strategies. Her goal is to become a registered dietitian and make a meaningful impact through evidence-based, individualized care. She’s especially grateful to be learning under such strong leadership and alongside a community of like-minded future professionals

Maryssa Rorrer
Email: MGDAUGHERTY@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Maryssa earned her B.S. in Nutrition with a concentration in dietetics and a minor in communication from UNC Greensboro. She is currently pursuing her M.S. in Nutrition and completing her dietetic internship through the MS/DI program, working towards becoming a registered dietitian. Maryssa is also a certified personal trainer and leads group fitness classes at a local gym. Her professional interests include women’s and maternal health, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact as an RDN.  

Anastassia Skarlinski
Email: amskarlinski@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Anastassia received a BS from Appalachian State University in foods and nutrition and an MPH and DI from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a concentration in nutrition and dietetics. Prior to coming to UNCG, she worked as a clinical dietitian at Central Regional Hospital. Her research interests include poverty and eating behaviors, rural health, and behavioral health (including substance use disorders). 

Ashley Smith

Dietetic Intern
Email: atsmith9@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Ashley graduated with her bachelor’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from UNCG. She is now in the MS/DI program with the intent of being a registered clinical dietitian. Her interests are in pediatric nutrition and the gut microbiome.

Maggie Smith

Dietetic Intern
Email: mjsmith13@uncg.edu

Brief Bio

Maggie received her Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University. She is a Dietetic Technician who has spent her time working in both long-term and acute care settings.  Her areas of interest include eating disorders and geriatrics. 

London Soles
Email: lmsoles@uncg.edu

Brief bio

London received her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Exercise Science.  She is currently in the MS/DI program working towards becoming a registered dietitian.  Her interests include geriatrics and combating malnutrition. 

Alyssa Southern

Dietetic Intern
Email: amsouthern@uncg.edu

brief bio

Alyssa received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Foods – Dietetics at Appalachian State University. She currently works for the Surry County Health & Nutrition Center WIC Program as a Nutritionist. After completion of UNCG’s MS/DI program, Alyssa hopes to become a Registered Dietitian and specialize in an area of dietetics that she is highly interested in, such as community, oncology, or pediatric nutrition. 

Ashlyn Stone
Email: akstone@uncg.edu

brief bio

Ashlyn received her undergraduate degree at Wake Forest University in 2021, where she earned a BA in Psychology, with minors in Neuroscience and Women’s Gender and Sexualities Studies. She is currently a Nutrition PhD student working with Dr. Fordahl and is also completing the DPD requirements to become a registered dietitian. For the last few years, she has worked in preclinical neuroscience research labs and is excited to study the intersection between nutrition and neuroscience here at UNCG.