She is a trained public health nutritionist with over ten years of experience conducting research focusing on the interplay of early-life risks and environmental factors in the etiology of obesity. In addition, Dr. Koleilat has substantial experience in conducting collaborative research with the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC) in California. She recently concluded implementing and evaluating a USDA-funded intervention which served to help WIC participants avoid excessive gestational weight gain. Since joining CSUF, Dr. Koleilat has received two internal grants. As part of one of her internally-funded projects, she is evaluating the effects of the recent WIC food package changes on maternal and childhood obesity. Dr. Koleilat is highly interested in finding ways to maximize positive outcomes among low-income pregnant women and their children.