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About

Principal Investigator

My name is Stephanie Caligiuri and I am the head of the Neurobehavioral Nutrition lab. I was trained in Human Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics and received by Bachelor and Master’s degrees at the University of Manitoba in Canada. I further pursed a Ph.D in Physiology in which I ran clinical trials to understand the cardiovascular and metabolic implications of a flaxseed dietary intervention in individuals with heart disease. It was at this point I realized that behavior modification was the most difficult hurdle in patient care. We often know what we should do, but why is it so hard for us to enact these goals? This is when I pursued a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral Neuroscience at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. After 4 years, I was promoted to an Instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Department of Neuroscience and became an Adjunct at Yeshiva University in the Department of Psychology. In September 2023, I took on the role as Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at William and Mary where I am thrilled to lead my own lab. I feel incredibly lucky to have the research team I do. They are the best part of my job. 


Research Assistant

My name is Phebe Fahmy (William & Mary ’26), and I’m pursuing a major in Kinesiology & Health Sciences with a concentration in Human Nutrition. I am the youngest of two siblings, with an older brother, mom, and dad. My family has been a big part of my life in college; I always enjoy spending time with them! A favorite activity of mine is going on walks in Williamsburg. It is so scenic and beautiful! However, when it comes to vacation spots, nothing beats the mountains for me—I absolutely love them! I have LOVED my time in the lab so far and am so excited for what lies ahead. 


Research Assistant

My name is Sofia Istnick and I am a Junior at William and Mary from Ohio. I am a Neuroscience Major and a Kinesiology minor, and I plan to pursue my Neuroscience PH.D. after graduating from William and Mary. I absolutely love running and am part of the William and Mary Women’s Cross Country and Track team. I am also involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Delta Epsilon Mu. My research focus is usually on resilience, sport, and nutrition, but I am always willing to expand my horizons. Some of my favorite hobbies are going on runs, lifting, biking, cooking, socializing with friends, and listening to music!


Research Assistant

Hi! My name is Sydney Ridge (class of 2026) and I am a neuroscience major here at W&M. I had the privilege of working in the lab this past summer and am so excited to be continuing through the school year! Outside of lab, I am involved in various sustainability organizations on campus, I work as an assistant for a Clinical Psychologist in Richmond, I love experimenting with new recipes, and I try to spend as much time outside as possible! I have loved my time in the lab and cannot wait for what is to come!


Research Assistant

My name is Alec. I am a senior double majoring in music and psychology at William and Mary. I am one of two siblings with a sister also at William and Mary. I play in a campus band during the semester which I really enjoy, I’ve met a lot of cool people from it! I plan to attend grad school after graduating and want to pursue therapy with a focus on lifestyle interventions. My time in the lab has been delightful and I’m excited to continue for the foreseeable future!


Research Assistant

My name is Carlie Meyerholz and I’m a junior (class of 2026) majoring in Neuroscience! I’m originally from Virginia Beach and have lived there my entire life with my parents and my dog, Henry. When I’m not in class, some of my favorite activities include taking cycling classes, paddle boarding, and reading. I am new to the lab this semester and am super excited to get started!


Research Assistant

My name is Allisyn, and I’m a neuroscience student. My passion for addressing food insecurity, which I pursue as President of Food for All, has given me firsthand insight of the importance of accessible, healthy food and its impacts on mental, emotional, and physical health. Conducting global development work with Rotary International has reinforced the need for sustainable, community-based approaches to health challenges, which is a perspective I’m excited to bring to the lab. By combining my service and research experiences, I aim to create impactful health solutions that reach diverse communities in my future medical career. I also adore my bunny, Louie, and traveling to new places.


Research Assistant

My name is Kyle Reviello and I am a Junior (class of 2026) here at William & Mary. I am a Biology major with plans of pursuing a career in Trauma/Emergency medicine. I am also a member of the William & Mary Football team and love the opportunity to compete on the field with my teammates. Along with being on the team, I also represent the team on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  Outside of school and football, I enjoy running, lifting, fishing, hunting, reading/writing, and watching movies!


Research Assistant

My name is Morgan Cook-Sather and I’m a senior at William & Mary (class of 2025). I’m double majoring in Kinesiology/Health Sciences and French/Francophone Studies. I am a French House captain/fellow, the DEI chair for Phi Sigma Pi (a gender inclusive honor fraternity), and am on the executive board for W&M’s chapter of Best Buddies. I am passionate about disability advocacy, nutrition/health science, and music. In my free time I love to play the piano, cook fun recipes, and go on long walks in CW. 


Research Assistant

Stephanie Dullum is a senior at William and Mary, majoring in neuroscience and minoring in biochemistry. Her future plans include going to graduate school for psychology in order to become a clinical psychologist and she is interested in pursuing opportunities in sports psychology. She enjoys tutoring along with running and crocheting.


Research Assistant

Elaina is a junior from Blue Bell, PA majoring in Biology and Kinesiology on the pre-med track. In her free time, she loves to bake, cook, watch/play soccer, and hike. At W&M, she is a part of Club Soccer Gold, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, TribeTHON, and Kinesiology & Health Sciences Club. She’s excited to be a part of Dr. Caligiuri’s lab and explore how human nutrition affects the health and well-being of all different groups of people!


Research Assistant

My name is Abhaya Tyrka and I am a sophomore at William and Mary majoring in neuroscience. Outside the lab, I am also in Pointe Blank (dance company), Griffin School Partnerships, and Pi Beta Phi, where I also volunteer with the Arc of Greater Williamsburg. I am also a barre instructor at the recreation center, which I love because I get to share my love for physical and mental wellness across campus. In my free time, I love to read, go on walks around Lake Matoaka, and hang out with friends!


Research Assistant

My name is Jessica Melchior and I’m a senior at William & Mary. I am double majoring in Psychology and Kinesiology and I plan to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) after graduation. My other involvements include Orchesis Modern Dance Company and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. I am new to the lab this semester and am so excited to join the team!


Research Assistant

My name is Saayeh Zarei (William & Mary ’26) and I’m pursuing a major in Neuroscience on the pre-medical route! I am working on the Neuroscience and Dance Study and am excited to begin researching the correlations between our brain and expressions of creativity in dance, especially because this research connects my own passion for dance with my study interests. Outside of the lab, I am a member of Orchesis Modern Dance Company, am on the executive board of Camp Kesem, and volunteer at the Lackey Clinic in Yorktown, VA. I also love to cook, try new foods, and spend time outside with friends and family!


Lab Mascot

Lilly is a German-Short Haired Pointer/Vizsla Mix. She is incredibly smart and loves to bring happiness to all of the research team! The goal is to teach Lilly how to use her nose to detect the presence of migraines and cancer one day!