Roger Figueroa, PhD, MPH, MSc
FIG Lab Director
Roger Figueroa, is the Director and Founder of the Figueroa Interdisciplinary Group (FIG) Lab, and Assistant Professor in Social and Behavioral Science in Nutrition in the Division of Nutritional Sciences (DNS), College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. In the FIG Lab, the research team designs testable conceptual frameworks, measures, and multi-faceted research studies to understand how policy, systems, and environmental factors influence diet- and health-related outcomes. Dr. Figueroa is a transdisciplinary scientist with expertise in public health, nutrition, implementation, participatory, and team science. Currently, Dr. Figueroa’s research examines the role of social services and policies (such as childcare, and food assistance), as well as sustainable food systems on the prevention of diet-related chronic diseases in low-income and minoritized communities. To date, Dr. Figueroa has developed a comprehensive skill foundation in research methods, including training in a broad range of quantitative (i.e., advanced linear modeling, structural equation modeling, psychometrics), qualitative methods (i.e., grounded theory, ethnography, qualitative GIS), and mixed method research. Dr. Figueroa has received training and research funding support from the USDA, NIH, and from other institutional-level grant programs.