Lab Members

Meet Our Team

Sara M. St. George, Ph.D.

Assoc. Professor

s.stgeorge@miami.edu

(305) 243-0726

Dr. St. George is a behavioral scientist and licensed psychologist trained in clinical-community psychology, health psychology, behavioral medicine, prevention science, and public health. She directs the Health eLifestyles Lab, which is dedicated to promoting health, preventing chronic disease, and fostering positive relationships among Hispanic/Latino families by developing, evaluating, and disseminating evidence-based multigenerational digital lifestyle interventions. Aside from research, Dr. St. George contributes to the University’s mission of training the next generation of prevention scientists through the teaching and mentoring of students. She directs the Masters of Prevention Science and Community Health program, teaches two courses in the Department of Public Health Sciences (Qualitative Methods, Obesity and Public Health), and mentors undergraduate and graduate students.

Vanina Pavia Aubry, M.D., M.S.

Manager, Research Support

vxp395@miami.edu

(786) 643-4300

Dr. Vanina Pavia is the lab manager in the Health eLifestyles Lab. She is a physician from Mexico with a specialization in Obesity and Comorbidities and a master’s degree in Prevention Science and Community Health from University of Miami. Her clinical background is in obesity and chronic disease treatment and prevention through lifestyle modification as well as implementation of corporate wellness programs. She is passionate about obesity and chronic disease prevention in Hispanic population.

Blanca Noriega Esquives, Ph.D., M.D., M.S.P.H.

Post Doctoral Associate

bsn24@miami.edu

Dr. Blanca Noriega Esquives is a postdoctoral associate at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on understanding the impact of psychosocial, cultural, and biobehavioral factors on quality of life and health outcomes among Hispanic cancer survivors, as well as developing and evaluating evidence-based digital interventions to promote optimal chronic disease management and health outcomes in this ethnic minority population.

Marta Salazar Grande, M.P.H.

Clinical Research Coordinator 2

mcs3239@miami.edu

(305) 243-3021

Marta is the outreach and recruitment coordinator for the Health eLifestyles Lab. She graduated from Florida International University in 2020 with a master’s degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and a certificate in Maternal and Child Health. As a child of immigrants from El Salvador, she understands the reality of disproportionate resources and is passionate about motivating Hispanic families to take charge of their health and learn about the prevention of chronic diseases.

Christopher Laurie, M.S.

Doctoral Student

christopherlaurie@miami.edu

Christopher Laurie is a Doctoral Student in Prevention Science and Community Health within the Department of Public Health at the University of Miami. He has a master’s degree in Medical Anthropology from the University College London and further training in public health from The University of West Indies. Christopher’s interests include community-based interventions, chronic disease mitigation and protections for vulnerable communities. He has worked in Barbados to advance health-promoting policies focused on children obesity prevention and is a recipient of the Health Food Policy Fellowship from Vital Strategies to support his doctoral training.

Susan Lopez, B.S.P.H.

Research Assistant 1

snl1228@miami.edu

Susan Lopez is a Research Assistant in the Department of Public Health at the University of Miami, where she earned dual degrees in Public Health and Microbiology & Immunology. Since joining the Health eLifestyles Lab in 2024, she has focused on integrating innovative community-based public health strategies with evidence-based research to promote preventive health behaviors in Latino populations. Susan’s work emphasizes cultural sensitivity and family-centered approaches to reduce chronic health disparities and create sustainable interventions in minority communities.

Vanessa Morales, M.S.P.H.

Doctoral Student

vxm450@miami.edu

Vanessa Morales is a Doctoral Student in the Department of Public Health at the University of Miami. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from High Point University and her Master of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. She began working with the Health eLifestyles lab in 2021 as a volunteer research assistant. Her research interests include positive youth development, substance use prevention in youth, dissemination and implementation science, and family-based interventions.