The Carolina Blue Project is a UNC study focusing on work-related stress, eating behaviors, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in NC law enforcement officers.
Ya-Ke “Grace” Wu, Ph.D., RN
Dr. Wu is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) School of Nursing and an Adjunct Professor at the UNC School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Wu has been involved in community research in North Carolina in the past decade. Her research focuses on stress, eating behaviors, and obesity, using a comprehensive model that explores biological, psychological, and social risk factors. Dr. Wu is the Principal Investigator who developed and led the Carolina Blue Project.
- Email: yakew@email.unc.edu
- Twitter: @GraceWuUNC
- Webpage
Dr. Cynthia Bulik, Ph.D.
Dr. Bulik is a Distinguished Professor of Eating Disorders in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine where she is also Professor in the Department of Nutrition in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. Dr. Bulik is a clinical psychologist and has been conducting research and providing treatment for individuals with mental illness and dysregulated eating since 1984.
Nayeon Lee, PhD student, Graduate Research Assistant
Nayeon is a full-time PhD nursing student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a professional registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing focused on nursing administration and management. She worked at acute care hospitals for six years before transiting to PhD program to learn more about immigrant nurses’ well-being. Nayeon Lee is currently involving with research projects focused on clinician well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tany Pacchioni, Undergraduate Student, Research Assistant
Tany Pacchioni is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Psychology and Neuroscience. Fascinated by the relationship between biology and psychology, Tany is interested in exploring how changes in the brain can impact human behavior and physiology. He has gained valuable experience by collaborating with physicians and engaging with patients at UNC Hospitals. Tany aspires to pursue further education through either an M.D. or Ph.D., aiming to contribute to the advancement of the field and make a positive impact on individuals' lives.
Izzy Reeves, Undergraduate Student, Research Assistant
Izzy Reeves is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Psychology and Medical Anthropology. She is aspiring to earn her Ph.D. in clinical psychology after graduating and focus her career on mental health. Izzy is gaining experience in psychology by working part time at Ph.D. Swim School, where she is teaching the science of survival swimming, and through her research assistant position.
Katherine Fitzgerald, Undergraduate Student, Research Assistant
Katherine Fitzgerald is a senior undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is studying biology, sociology, and chemistry. Seeing how social determinants of health play a role in the biological outcomes of participants from this project has been inspiring and fortifies her interest in obtaining a medical degree or PhD after graduation. Outside of the lab, she participates in mentoring for chemistry classes, tutoring high school students, and teaching yoga at the school gym.