Faculty and Staff
Carrie Daniel-MacDougall, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Director
An associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology with expertise in nutritional epidemiology, nutritional biochemistry and molecular biology, Dr. Daniel-MacDougall's research program includes observational and controlled intervention studies focused on diet and biological markers across the spectrum of cancer prevention, cancer patients, and cancer survivors. She provides expertise to assist principal investigators and BRC staff in the development of optimal study designs, assessment, and analysis protocols to achieve nutritional research objectives.
Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Co-Director
Dr. Basen-Engquist is a professor of Health Disparities Research and the director of MD Anderson's Center for Energy Balance in Cancer Prevention and Survivorship.. Through her own studies and activities of the center, she is expanding research in the areas of exercise, nutrition and weight control on outcomes in cancer survivors and people at increased risk of cancer. Dr. Basen-Engquist's leadership facilitates the development and expansion of the core to provide services that fulfill the mission of the center as it relates to nutrition.
Erma Levy, M.P.H., RD, LD
Senior Research Dietitian
A registered dietitian with experience in dietary interventions focused on cancer and chronic disease management, implementing controlled feeding studies, and menu development, Erma joined MD Anderson in 2015 from Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Her areas of expertise include dietary assessment, weight management, diabetes education, cancer risk reduction, and nutrition and wellness education. She works with the BRC team to supervise and support dietary feeding studies and nutritional counseling protocols.
Cindy Hwang, MSPH, RD, LD
Research Dietitian
A registered dietitian with interest in public health who trained at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and previously worked at the Johns Hopkins Hospital as an inpatient clinical dietitian, Cindy joined MD Anderson in 2020 as an inpatient clinical dietitian before transitioning to the BRC. Her areas of expertise include medical nutrition therapy, dietary assessments, and nutrition counseling. Her roles at the BRC includes supervising and supporting the metabolic/research kitchen staff, managing dietary assessment studies, and assisting with dietary feeding studies and recipe/menu development.
Laura Klein, M.P.H.
Data Research Coordinator
A data research coordinator with experience in dietary assessment, nutrient databases, and nutritional epidemiology research methods, Laura joined MD Anderson in 2021 as a graduate research assistant under Dr. Daniel-MacDougall after working as an epidemiologist investigator for Harris County Public Health. She received her M.P.H. in epidemiology with a focus in nutrition from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. Laura conducts data collection, processing and analysis under the guidance of Dr. Daniel-MacDougall.
Marco Montalvo
Chef
A Cook III with experience since 2000 in health care facilities, the public sector, public schools in the Rio Grande Valley, including experience in MD Anderson room service from 2018-2020, Chef Marco received an associate's degree in culinary arts from South Texas College in McAllen, Texas, and has an interest in cooking various cuisines. He takes pride in his work knowing that these nourishing meals can provide and sustain someone. He enjoys being creative when it comes to cooking for others and finding a connection with people through food.
