The Big Data and Eating Decisions lab in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Rhode Island’s College of Health Studies investigates the behavioral science of eating and the environmental determinants of food choice and obesity in order to favorably influence population health.  Drawing largely on sources of secondary data from large population studies, the goal of our research is to develop interventions and recommendations that promote healthy eating behavior, weight control, and cardiovascular health at the population level.  Our recent research has focused on determinants of dietary quality and food purchase quality, dietary variety, health claims, and the role of weight discrimination in preventing and promoting obesity.  Our lab also investigates the influence of food policy on consumer decision making and public health.  The lab’s principal investigator is Maya Vadiveloo, PhD RD FAHA.