Meet Nkechi!
Lead researcher on the BABE Study

Nkechi Okpara 
Ph.D. Student Researcher and
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Nkechi Okpara received her Bachelor's in psychology from Villanova University and her Master's in Nutrtion and Food Science at Montclair State University. She completed her requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Currently, Nkechi is a 4th-year Ph.D. student in the Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior program at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. She is a research assistant under the supervision of Dr. Brie Turner-McGrirevy where she has been receiving training in nutrition intervention implementation. 

Nkechi’s research interests focus on body image, eating behaviors, and nutrition education for high school teenage girls. She hopes to become an independent researcher who studies and designs programs that promote body acceptance and appreciation. 

Fun Fact!

Nkechi is taking ballet classes this summer; she hasn't had classes since she was 15 years old!