What We Do
The Mason Migraine and Diet Research Initiative studies the role of foods, nutrients, ingredients, and dietary patterns in relation to migraine disease. We conduct research studies to observe the bi-directional relationship between food consumption and migraine attacks, and we intend this work to inform evidence-based dietary recommendations for migraine.
Funding
Our migraine research has been funded by the Institute for Biohealth Innovation and the College of Health and Human Services at George Mason University, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, and the McCormick Science Institute.
Our Team
Dr. Raedeh Basiri, PhD, RDN is Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. Her research interests involve the relationship between eating patterns nd prevention of chronic diseases of diabetes and obesity, which have significant overlap with migraine. Before coming to Mason, Dr. Basiri was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology at Florida State University where she was conducting clinical research on the effects of functional foods in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. She is also a Registered Dietitian and has worked in the field as an RDN in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Dr. Margaret Slavin, PhD, RDN is Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Maryland. After over 10 years in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University, she is now affiliate faculty and collaborator. Formally trained in both food analytical chemistry and clinical nutrition, Dr. Slavin’s research interests are primarily focused where her deep understanding of food composition and human nutrition combine to inform and improve human health. She is an emerging expert in the role that diet plays in migraine.
Maryann Raimo Greenfield
Graduate Research Assistant
Maryann is currently pursuing an M.S. in Nutrition at George Mason University. She has experience in research and development for dietary supplements.
Anjali Pendala
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Anjali is currently pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience at George Mason University and is expected to graduate within the coming year. She received an OSCAR grant to work with Dr. Slavin on this study.
Ali Ozmeral
Graduate Research Assistant
Ali is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Health Psychology at Yeshiva University, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. She is interested in health behavior changes and nutrition, specifically how they relate to migraine outcomes.
Vyshnavi Pendala
Research Associate
Vyshnavi graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor’s in Biology and Psychology. She is eager to learn about the field of nutrition and clinical research.
Past Team Members
Rebecca Weinert
Research Associate
Becca recently graduated with an M.S. in nutrition from George Mason University. She is passionate about sustainable food systems and has a specific interest in plant-based eating and nutrition.
Interested to join our team or collaborate? Reach out: [email protected]