Integrated Nutrition Science, Population Health, and Epidemiologic Research (INSPIRE) Lab
Discovering what drives population health
The Integrated Nutrition Science, Population Health, and Epidemiologic Research (INSPIRE) Lab is dedicated to discovering the core drivers of population health. By bridging the gap between nutritional science and large-scale epidemiology, the lab investigates how dietary patterns, metabolic factors, and environmental influences impact health outcomes across diverse populations.
Meet the Team
Jacqueline A. Vernarelli, MS, Ph.D.
Jacqueline Vernarelli, MS, Ph.D., is the director of the INSPIRE Lab at Sacred Heart University. As a nutritional epidemiologist, her work integrates nutrition science, epidemiology, and population health to identify modifiable risk factors for chronic disease and to inform public health practice. She leads interdisciplinary research in translational epidemiology, with a focus on advancing dietary assessment methods, understanding how dietary behaviors influence health outcomes, and developing evidence-based strategies to reduce health disparities and promote healthier communities. Vernarelli is passionate about mentoring the next generation of researchers and collaborating with community partners to translate research into meaningful improvements in health and well-being.
Joseph (Joe) Falcao
Joe Falcao is a graduate student in the Master’s in Public Health program at Sacred Heart University. He is interested in nutrition and population health research, having published an op-ed, Expensive but Necessary: GLP-1s, in February 2026 for CT Mirror. He focuses on analysis of environmental factors influencing nutritional health and also focuses on the prominent effects of diet and lifestyle on daily health.
INSPIRE Lab Alumni
- Janice Aguyo, MPH ‘25, CHES, co-program coordinator for Fairfield CARES Community Coalition, Northwell Health
- Kayla Champagne, MPH ’24, CHES, program manager, Barnstable (MA) County Department of Health
- Vanessa Rubenstein, MPH ‘23, manager of research and evaluation, Jewish Federations of North America
- Abbie Mokwuah, MPH ’23, project coordinator, Yale School of Medicine & VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Sara Szollosy, MPH ’22, research associate, VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Emma Turchick, MPH ’21, healthcare analyst, National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
- Rebecca DiSarro, MPH ’20, DMD, dentist, HealthReach Community Health Centers (ME)
A student shares research findings during a poster presentation at Health Professions Research Day.
More Information
Interested in participating in research or learning about the work conducted in the lab? Email Professor Vernarelli at vernarellij@sacredheart.edu.