Lab Members

Nadia Markie Sneed, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC

Director

Dr. Sneed's program of research is focused on the development and testing of non-pharmacological dietary interventions that utilize food as medicine to treat obesity and diabetes (pre- and type 2) to prevent a sequela of co-morbid, long-term complications in high-risk families. Importantly, her research aims to test interventions that are not only clinically effective, but also sustainable to promote health and wellbeing across the lifecourse. Dr. Sneed holds a baccalaureate degree in Nutrition from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive clinical, academic, and research training in nutrition science, nursing, public health, and patient-centered outcomes research completing her PhD in Nursing from the University of Alabama Birmingham, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at VUSN as a Vanderbilt PROgRESS T32 Trainee. Her current studies include using a whole foods diet approach adapted from the current 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for American's framework to 1) treat prediabetes in parents and 2) reduce body adiposity in adolescents with obesity while also improving overall family diet quality. Through this work, Dr. Sneed hopes to identify sustainable and culturally appropriate multi-generational solutions for obesity and type 2 diabetes prevention in at-risk families using a customizable healthy whole foods diet approach.

Margaret Green, MS, RD, LDN

Registered Dietition Nutritionist

Maggie Green is a registered dietitian with experience in clinical nutrition care and nutrition counseling. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Dietetics from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Nutrition from Lipscomb University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. Her work at Vanderbilt University Medical Center includes the development and execution of pediatric clinical trials aimed at promoting healthy childhood growth and weight management. She is dedicated to helping improve the health and well-being of children and families through evidence-based nutrition interventions. In the Whole Foods Lab, she serves as the study dietitian working closely with participating families to offer nutrition education and support on diet adherence. 

Isabella Peng

Research Assistant

Major: Engineering Science, Minor: Computer ScienceBio: I am a current junior who is studying Engineering Sciences. For the Whole Foods lab, I'm an undergraduate research assistant who assists in data collection, participant recruitment, and more. In my free time, I enjoy creating interesting smoothie combinations, walking around, and tiramisu.

Pranoy Sangowder

Research Assistant

Majors: Molecular & Cellular Biology; Medicine, Health, & Society Pranoy is a junior undergraduate in Vanderbilt's College of Arts and Sciences and a research assistant for the Whole Foods Lab. As an RA, he recruits and orientates participants for each of the lab's two projects while also assisting in data acquisition and menu development. His research interests lie at the intersection of cardiovascular disease and obesity. 

Kylee Vecchi, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, CNSC

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Kylee is a registered dietitian with leadership experience spanning clinical care, project management, and interdisciplinary healthcare operations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a certification in Global Health from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she later completed her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. Her dietetic internship was completed at Central Washington University. In addition to her academic training, Kylee holds specialized certifications in nutrition support and diabetes care. At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Kylee contributes to the design and implementation of clinical trials focused on behavioral health, aiming to enhance wellbeing among children, adolescents, and families. Within the Whole Foods Lab, she serves as both the program manager and study dietitian, overseeing research initiatives and ensuring nutritional integrity across study protocols.

Reilly Wade