Prandial Lab

Emeritus Professor of Biology, Northern Arizona University. Dr. Adams is an NAU Emeritus Professor of Biology with extensive training in Classical and Molecular Genetics, and a broad interest in the diversity of factors that can cause disease, having also trained and conducted research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, as well as in Nutrition. She is actively providing support and consultation to the PRANDIALLab research team.

Kaitlyn is a member of the Navajo Nation. She was born and raised in Tuba City, Arizona. She has completed her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Chemistry at Northern Arizona University. Her hobbies include working in her garden, cooking, baking, reading, hiking, fishing, and camping. Kaitlyn tries her best to live by the Navajo saying, “T’áá hwó’ ají t’éego t’eyá” which basically means “You can do it. It just depends on yourself.” Your efforts, how hard you work, your ambitions, it is all up to you to determine what you will achieve in life.

Traditional Food Specialist and Plant-Based Culinary Educator. Grace Tracy, a Dine Culture instructor from the southwestern part of the Navajo reservation. She is a member of the Manygoats (Tlizilani) born to Tobacco people (Natoh Dine Tachine, maternal grandfather Coyote Pass (Maiideshgeznii) and paternal grandfather Towering House (Kinyaanii) Clans. She grew up in a home with a medicine man family who inspired her to reclaim her heritage through the voice of the Dine language.

Associate Clinical Professor of Dental Hygiene at Northern Arizona University. Vicki has been a dental hygienist for 25 years. She is an associate professor at NAU, teaching dental hygiene since 2009. Vicki serves on the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners. She has her master’s degree in Nutrition and incorporates the impact of nutrition on oral health into her classes. Vicki’s hobbies include cooking, hiking, and knitting.

Tony was raised in the Dine Traditions by his grandparents. He followed their teachings of resilience to attain B.A. and M.B.A. Business Degrees from NAU and a fulfilling career. Mr. Skrelunas conducts high level business development services through the brand TribeAwaken.Com and is an owner and founder of the Navajo Power PBC, where he works in developing a utility-scale solar development company that provides breakthrough dialogue and benefits to local land permittees and communities. Under TribeAwaken.Com he advises community leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives with senior strategy to deal with today’s challenges and forge a path towards opportunities. TribeAwaken clients include NAU, Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, Navajo Shopping Centers, locally owned grocery stores, hogan bed & breakfasts, traditional food companies, and a sheep cooperative. He serves on the Board of the Navajo Shopping Centers Inc, a Navajo Nation enterprise that operates 10 major retail centers on Navajoland, and was its founding President. He provides professional business success coaching to clients young and old. Mr. Skrelunas has been recognized for his professional endeavors with awards ranging from the NAU College of Business Hall of Fame Inductee, Outstanding Young Man of America, and others. He is most proud of taking responsibility to raise three kids, following the teachings of his elders, giving back to the community, and being a role model for balance in life.

Assistant Clinical Professor of Dental Hygiene at Northern Arizona University. Chadleo is an assistant professor of dental hygiene at Northern Arizona University. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 2013 and has been a practicing dental hygienist ever since. His passion for oral health and patient-centered care are evident in the courses he teaches and the clients he treats.

Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at Northern Arizona University. Prior to joining the faculty, she was a T32 post-doctoral fellow at the University of Southern California. She is a graduate of the Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health at the University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University. She has a dual M.S. in Nutritional Sciences and Exercise Physiology from San Diego State University. She has 10 years of experience in health promotion research, much of which has focused on chronic disease prevention in the Latino community. Her research interests include the behavioral and social determinants of obesity and related diseases. In particular, Dr. Lopez examines the relationships among parenting behaviors within the family social unit, the home environment, and children’s dietary, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors (i.e., energy-balance behaviors).

Director of the PRANDIAL Lab. Professor of Nutrition & Foods, Northern Arizona University. Research interests are related to: disease prevention and reversal using non-invasive lifestyle practices, wellness across the lifespan, and lifestyle habits of college students. In addition to his academic experience he has years of experience in community and residential-based health promotion programs; and broad experience working with athletes and those interested in wellness. Jay is also a Registered Dietitian.

MPH, CHES. Assistant Clinical Professor in Health Sciences, Northern Arizona University. Julia earned her MPH from the University of Arizona. She teaches in the Allied Health and Public Health program at NAU. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist, a DPP Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach, and a trained health coach. She is currently enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Health Ph.D. program at Northern Arizona University. Her interest in nutrition research started with encouraging a plant-rich diet among University and Hospital employees.