Dr. Yarden Golan Maor is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University. She earned her B.S. in Nutrition Science from Tel-Hai College and her Ph.D. from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. After postdoctoral training at UCSF and receiving an NIH K99/R00 award, she established a research program focused on human milk bioactives, breastfeeding, and maternal–infant health to inform clinical guidelines and improve early-life health outcomes.

Zhengfei (Fay) Li supports the lab’s research on human milk composition and maternal–infant nutrition. She assists with sample processing, experiment preparation, and laboratory operations to ensure high-quality data collection and compliance with safety standards. Fay holds an M.P.S. in Animal Science and is completing an M.S. at Cornell, with interests in precision nutrition and data-driven biological systems.

Dr. Leigh Martin is a postdoctoral associate studying the maternal mind–body relationship during the transition from pregnancy through lactation. Her work explores how biomarkers can help predict breastfeeding challenges. She earned both her M.S. and Ph.D. at Penn State under the mentorship of Dr. Alison Gernand.

Dr. Abiel Haile is a postdoctoral research associate studying RNA species in human breast milk and their potential roles in molecular communication between mother and infant. Originally from Eritrea, he earned his Ph.D. in Integrative and Biomedical Physiology at Penn State and was supported by NIH T32 and USDA predoctoral training grants.

Elaine Sha is a PhD student and Registered Dietitian and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. After earning her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she spent three years in clinical practice specializing in adult and pediatric nutrition. Her research aims to generate evidence that informs public health policy and improves family health outcomes globally.

Debbie Chen is a sophomore majoring in Human Development at Cornell and originally from Brooklyn, New York. Her research interests focus on how human milk production may adapt to an infant’s sex, age, and health from biological and evolutionary perspectives. Outside the lab, she enjoys crafting and spending time outdoors.

Fathia Farah is a fourth-year undergraduate from Denver, Colorado studying Human Biology, Health, and Society. She is interested in how early-life nutrition—through breastfeeding or formula—shapes infant growth, immunity, and long-term health, and how maternal health influences these early developmental processes.

Izzy Vix is an undergraduate student from Maryland studying Human Biology, Health, and Society at Cornell. She contributes to the lab’s research on maternal and infant nutrition while developing her interests in human health and biological research.

Wesley Mui is a junior majoring in Human Biology, Health, and Society. Originally from Hong Kong and now based in Brooklyn, New York, he joined research to contribute to improving human health. He plans to pursue medical school and continue research, and is active in Cornell’s Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program and the Mapping Society Club.

Hannah Emily Braun studies Human Nutrition at Cornell University. She previously trained pre-professionally in ballet in Mississippi and California and studied at the University of Arizona before transferring to Cornell. She plans to attend physician assistant school and pursue a career in surgical oncology.

Ada Habip is a freshman from Boston studying Food Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She became interested in milk research after working in a commercial dairy laboratory. Outside the lab, she enjoys running around Ithaca, baking, and exploring new restaurants.

Laura Hasko is a freshman from New York City studying Human Development on the pre-medical track. She is interested in human milk research and its role in infant development and health. Outside the lab, she enjoys listening to music, exploring cafés, and going on bike rides.

Hayley Hodes is a sophomore from Fort Lauderdale, Florida majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences. She is interested in applying biological research to address global health challenges. Her interest in research began through her high school research program, and she enjoys running and skiing in her free time.

Jasmine Morel Moreno is a sophomore from the Bronx, NY, majoring in Biological Sciences on a pre-MPH/MD track. She is very interested in reproductive health, maternal and infant health, and clinical/translational research. Outside of the lab, she loves crocheting, doing her friends' and family's hair, and watching TV shows/movies.