Dr. Worthington is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences. Her research focuses on the role of modifiable prenatal and early postnatal maternal factors (e.g., weight gain, diet, physical activity) on short- and long-term maternal health and on the developmental origins of childhood obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Dr. Worthington is interested in the development and evaluation of novel lifestyle interventions for cardiometabolic health promotion during critical life periods (e.g., preconception, pregnancy, postpartum), particularly among priority populations (i.e., those deserving priority in public health and clinical efforts). This research involves studies conducted in clinical and community settings and studies of children and infants, as well as pregnant and lactating women. Methodologies include the assessment of body composition, biomarkers of cardiometabolic health, the collection and processing of breast milk samples, analysis of biomarkers in breast milk, appetite regulation, eating behavior, dietary assessment, and home food and activity assessment.
