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. Ashleigh Johnson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS). She received a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Health Promotion/Health Education from the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2019. Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on physical activity promotion, with an emphasis on youth populations and community-based interventions. She has a strong interest in addressing disparities in access to physical activity opportunities among youth, including geographic, socio-economic, gender, and cultural disparities. Her research also includes using sports to positively promote physical activity across the lifespan, and some of her current work involves developing an out-of-school program to promote physical activity among Hispanic girls living in rural areas. Dr. Johnson also incorporates this work into the classroom, where she highlights the socio-demographic disparities around access to opportunities for engaging in healthy behaviors, and the impact this has on poor health outcomes. She is focused on preparing students to consider the multi-level influences on health, and how they can put these concepts and strategies into practice. Dr. Johnson currently serves as a member of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committee for the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences. 

Dr. Changqi Liu is an Professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences. He received his BS in Food Quality and Safety from Sichuan Agricultural University, an MS in Animal and Food Sciences from the University of Kentucky, and a Ph.D. in Nutrition and Food Sciences from Florida State University. His primary research areas include food allergy and sustainable and functional foods. Dr. Liu has received three educational grants as the P.I. or Co-PI from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Education Grants Program and one from the USDA’s From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals Program, all aiming at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fields of food and agriculture.

Linda Morreale is a San Diego State University (SDSU) alumna who earned her degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. She currently serves as an Administrative Coordinator II in the main office of the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS). In this role, she coordinates semester course scheduling and supports faculty and staff with a variety of administrative processes, including campus volunteer affiliations, special study courses, and Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) applications. Linda also serves as the primary point of contact for ENS building and facility inquiries.

Prior to joining SDSU, Linda worked with several animal rescue non-profits managing donor databases and supporting outreach efforts. She also served as an Educational Product Manager for a fitness and wellness company, developing online education programs and educational events for health and wellness professionals. Linda is the proud mother of an SDSU junior and is excited to contribute to the ENS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

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.

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.

Angeline Dominguez is a senior majoring in Foods and Nutrition at San Diego State University. She will begin graduate studies in the fall to pursue her Master’s degree and become a Registered Dietitian, highlighting inclusivity and cultural competence in her future practice. Angeline contributes to Dr. McClain’s research focused on the southeastern San Diego Latinx population by assisting in the development of intervention materials. She previously served as an Peer Mentor in the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Council Mentor Program, supporting a fellow nutrition student in her academic and personal development. She is currently a volunteer with UC San Diego Health in the Nutritional Services Department. On campus, she serves as a Peer Health Educator with Well-Being and Health Promotion and volunteers with both the Associated Students and Wesley House Food Pantries. She is also an active member of the Student Nutrition Organization and Spanish Language Society. 

Madeline Roke is a current fourth year Kinesiology (Pre-PT) student with an Honors Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is working towards applying and obtaining her Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and hopes to incorporate equity and inclusion into her future career as a clinician. Madeline currently works as Research Assistant for Dr. Ashleigh Johnson with the current project Evaluating the Policy Landscape of San Diego through the 1000 Cities Challenge, aiming to improve the accessibility of information on the health and sustainability policies contributing to the built environment. She is involved in the Weber Honors College Student Society as the New Member Committee Chair, a Peer Mentor at the Health Professions Advising Office, and an active member of both the the Aztec Pre Health Organization and KCR Student Radio where she hopes to continue to learn and advocate for resources that improve equity and inclusion within our community.