DEI Committee

Dr. McClain is an assistant professor of nutrition and Building on Inclusive Excellence faculty. She completed her BS in Sports Medicine in 2002 and her MS in Health Promotion in 2005 before working as a Research Associate for five years at the University of South Carolina. She then earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences, specializing in Community Nutrition, in 2016 from Cornell University. She completed an NIH T32 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in nutritional epidemiology 2018 at Harvard University Chan School of Public Health. Dr. McClain’s population science and community-engaged research program aims to understand how the stress of marginalization (e.g., food insecurity, poverty) influences food choice, dietary intake, and cardiometabolic health while also creating interventions and programs that leverage and strengthen existing capacities (e.g., assets) to promote food security, healthy diets, and health equity. Her personal experiences growing up in a working-class family in a low-income neighborhood in Memphis, TN, a city with pervasive historical marginalization and structural racism, are central to her passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ultimately upward mobility of historically marginalized groups, in her teaching, mentoring, research, and service at SDSU. Dr. McClain has served on the ENS DEI committee since its establishment in 2019, contributing to various accomplishments, including ENS DEI goals, objectives, intervention strategies, and the ENS-hosted Fall 2023 CHHS DEI speaker series.

Dr. Jeni Green is an Assistant Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS). She received a PhD in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences from Arizona State University in 2019. Dr. Green’s research focuses on improving the health and well-being of historically marginalized communities and reducing health disparities by implementing mind-body (e.g., yoga, mindfulness, meditation) and physical activity interventions. Her research also includes psycho-social outcomes, digital health approaches, behavior change, maternal health, and community-based and mixed-methods approaches. Dr. Green believes that the benefits of mind-body and physical activity interventions should be accessible to all, regardless of background or identity. Not only is Dr. Green a dedicated researcher but also a passionate educator. Her teaching philosophy reflects an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive classroom environment by ensuring students of all backgrounds feel represented in the course material and are encouraged to engage in critical dialogues about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Green currently serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the School of ENS, where she works alongside an incredible team focused on shaping departmental policies, practices, and activities that promote a more equitable and welcoming environment for all.

Dr. Surabhi Bhutani is an Assistant Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in foods and nutrition from Delhi University and her Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She completed her NIH T32 Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, in energy metabolism and cognitive neuroscience, respectively. Dr. Bhutani’s research at SDSU revolves around sensory nutrition, explicitly focusing on understanding how human sensory signals, such as smell and taste, influence diet behaviors and contribute to weight gain and obesity. Her research also aims to develop novel strategies to target and shape behaviors that alter smell and taste to promote healthy diet intake.

Beyond her research, Dr. Bhutani is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity at SDSU. Her commitment is firmly rooted in her personal background, teaching experience, and dedication to improving a diverse population’s health. She is passionate about providing a meaningful research experience to students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation college attendees. Furthermore, she strongly advocates for creating an inclusive learning environment crucial for students to excel academically. Dr. Bhutani’s commitment extends to her current role on the advisory council for the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Mentor Program. This student-led initiative aims to foster success for ENS’s diverse undergraduate and graduate students. Alongside her role on the DEI committee for ENS, Dr. Bhutani also serves on the ENS Scholarship Committee. She has empowered diverse students through this opportunity, helping them recognize their potential and nurturing their career growth, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in exercise and nutrition.

Dr. Katie Crist is an Assistant Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences. She received her BS in Biology from Cornell University, an MPH in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from the Yale School of Public Health, and her PhD in Health Sciences in 2019 from University of Southern Denmark. Her research aims to understand how programmatic and built environment interventions impact physical activity, transportation behaviors, health, and equity outcomes. Her multidisciplinary and community-engaged research provides evidence for policies and programs to improve health and reduce disparities, especially in low-income and diverse older adult populations. Equity and inclusion have been a consistent focus throughout her career, and she engages underrepresented communities and students not only in her research, but also in her teaching and mentorship activities. Dr. Crist strives to create an inclusive classroom environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel represented in, and connected to, the course material. She is excited to serve on the DEI Committee for ENS and collaborate with colleagues to foster belonging, improve educational equity, and ensure all students have the support they need to thrive at SDSU.

Dr. Greicar is the Program Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at San Diego State University. She brings a forward-looking approach to leadership, focusing on innovation, leadership development, and the continued growth of athletic training education. She earned her EdD in Educational Administration and Leadership Studies from Bowling Green State University in 2009, an MS in Physical Education/Sports Medicine from Temple University in 1996, and a BS in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Natural Sciences from the University of North Dakota in 1991.

With extensive experience in athletic training education and program leadership, Dr. Greicar is committed to preparing thoughtful, ethical healthcare professionals who can lead with confidence and adapt to diverse clinical environments. Her work focuses on athletic training education and professional development, with particular interest in generational dynamics, leadership growth, and integrating evidence-based practice into clinical application. She emphasizes clinical reasoning and strives to develop reflective, resilient practitioners while fostering supportive, psychologically safe learning environments.

Growing up in a single-parent, working-class family in rural North Dakota deeply shaped her commitment to expanding access and opportunity in higher education and healthcare. She is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and supporting upward mobility for historically marginalized groups through her teaching, mentoring, research, and service. Dr. Greicar has served on the ENS DEI committee since 2025, contributing to initiatives that promote representation and equity-minded pedagogy.

Dr. Mee Young Hong is a Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences. She received her BS in Food and Nutrition and MS in Nutrition from Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea, followed by a PhD in Nutritional Science from Texas A&M University. She completed her fellowship training at the Center for Human Nutrition at University of California, Los Angeles Medical School. Her research focuses on exploring the connection between functional foods, health and metabolic disease prevention, including cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, inflammation and obesity, at the physiological cellular and molecular levels. Additionally, she is interested in Nutritional status across the lifespan, studying populations ranging from children, teenagers to frail older adults. Dr. Hong conducted numerous funded projects including human clinical trials. In her work with the SDSU Research Foundation's WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program, where she served as a Co-PI for eight years, she emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion. She aimed to ensure that our initiatives addressed the unique needs of underrepresented communities, promoting access to essential health resources and nutrition services. This experience has deepened her commitment to fostering equitable health outcomes for all populations.

Dr. Aram Kim is an Assistant Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS). She received her undergraduate in Physical Therapy from Daegu Catholic University, South Korea and MS and PhD in Biokinesiology from the University of Southern California. She completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in Computational and Decision Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her research investigates the neurobiological mechanisms of subjective fatigue and its impact on mobility and decision-making, with a focus on aging and neurological populations. Dr. Kim is serving on the DEI Committee for ENS and dedicated to creating inclusive, diverse, and accessible environments for all students.

Dr. Leonardo Nogueira has an undergraduate degree in Physical Education and earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry), all from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He subsequently completed postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center (Durham, NC; 2008–2009) and at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine (2009–2013). After serving as a tenured faculty member at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Institute of Medical Biochemistry, 2014–2017), he returned to the United States as a research scientist at UCSD-Medicine. Since Fall 2022, he has been an Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology at San Diego State University.

Dr. Nogueira has extensive experience in skeletal muscle physiology and biochemistry. His research examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate muscle contractile function, intracellular calcium handling, nitric oxide production and metabolism, fatigue, and muscle repair.

Dr. Nogueira has taught Physiology of Exercise since 2008, first in Brazil and subsequently at San Diego State University. He has also taught Biochemistry to physical therapy students in Brazil and Exercise Biochemistry for graduate students at SDSU. He is passionate about teaching these subjects to students from diverse backgrounds and creating an inclusive learning environment. In addition, he mentors a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students in his laboratory and has served as a mentor for the College of Education’s Upward Bound Summer Program.

Dr. Shawn O’Connor is an Associate Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS) at San Diego State University. He received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan and completed postdoctoral training at the Simon Fraser University Locomotion Laboratory and at the UC San Diego Muscle Physiology Laboratory.

Dr. O’Connor’s research focuses on the biomechanics and control of human locomotion. His work seeks to better understand the mechanisms underlying age-related mobility decline and to apply this knowledge toward rehabilitation strategies that improve balance, walking function, and independence in aging populations.

Dr. O’Connor regularly teaches Biomechanics of Human Movement in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. His favorite part of teaching is working closely with students during office hours, where he strives to create a welcoming space that supports students from a wide range of backgrounds and helps them succeed academically.

He joined the ENS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to support efforts that promote equitable opportunities and a welcoming environment for all students. In addition to his role on the DEI Committee, he serves as Chair of the ENS Scholarship Committee.

Christianne Wittbrodt serves as an Administrative Support Coordinator II in the main office of San Diego State University’s School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS). In this role, she coordinates course scheduling, supports faculty and staff with a variety of administrative processes, and assists with the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). She also helps facilitate the day-to-day operations of the school and serves as a resource for students, faculty, and staff.

Christianne is a proud SDSU alumna, having earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sustainability. She is excited to support the ENS community, contribute to the work of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and help foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Jaelynn Delfin is a current first year Kinesiology (Pre-PT) student from Los Angeles. After graduation, Jaelynn plans on receiving her masters degree in Occupational Therapy, where she is passionate about embracing diversity and inclusion throughout her future career as an occupational therapist. She is currently an active member of the Filipino-American organization, Andres Bonifacio (AB) Samahan, where she is enthusiastic to learn more about her cultural identity. Jaelynn has also participated in the Student Internship for SDSU’s APIDA Center, which is aimed to increase visibility on Asian-American stories and experiences. As a Student Intern, Jaelynn has organized, led, and presented two Student-lead workshops: The History of Hello Kitty and The History of Folding Fans.

Elle Stoddard is a fourth-year student at San Diego State University majoring in Kinesiology (Pre-Physical Therapy) and minoring in Neuroscience. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and hopes to provide patient-centered care that emphasizes accessibility, cultural competence, and inclusion across diverse patient populations. She currently works as a Physical Therapy Aide and contributes to a health-technology startup focused on reducing language barriers in healthcare. On campus, Elle serves as Vice President of Finance for Dance Marathon at SDSU, a philanthropic organization that raises funds and awareness for Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. She also serves as Vice President of External for Medi-Futures, a student organization that provides students interested in healthcare careers with accessible opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and exposure to various healthcare fields. Through her clinical experiences, campus involvement, and leadership roles, she has developed a strong commitment to fostering environments where individuals from different backgrounds and experiences feel welcomed, valued, and heard.