Expertise
Epidemiological studies on genetic, nutritional, and psychosocial determinants of chronic diseases; community interventions for disease prevention among LatinosResearch Interests
Diet quality and type 2 diabetes, obesity, CVD, and related cardiometabolic outcomes. Traditional foods and nutrient intake and dietary behaviors in racial/ethnic groups. Sociocultural aspects of diet and health. Global nutrition transition. Gene-diet interactions. Community and population-based health promotion programs for minority populations.
Education
PhD and MS in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism from Friedman School of Nutrition, Tufts University
MPH, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Tufts University
Biosketch
Josiemer Mattei's research focuses on diet and lifestyle behaviors, genetic variants, and psychosocial factors that influence allostatic load and cardio-metabolic risk factors of diabetes and CVD in racial/ethnic groups, particularly Latinos. She combines epidemiological studies in nutritional and health sciences with community-based programs and interventions in order to understand health disparities and ultimately improve the health of underserved populations. Epidemiological analysis conducted with HCHS/SOL, BPRHS, and observational studies in Puerto Rico assess how diet quality and traditional foods are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Results are then translated into interventions with culturally-tailored dietary and lifestyle recommendations for CVD and diabetes prevention.
Josiemer has collaborations with investigators in several Latin American countries with the goal of promoting healthy traditional foods to prevent cardiometabolic conditions. She is funded through several pilot awards and a K01 from the NHLBI. Mattei is an advocate for promoting the inclusion of under-represented groups in epidemiologic and community health studies, of minority students in public health education, and of women and minorities in science and academia.