Areas of Interest & Key Research Pillars

The HOPE Lab’s work is grounded in core research pillars that guide the design, delivery, and evaluation of its interventions. These pillars reflect a commitment to evidence-based practice, individualized care, and sustainable behavior change to reduce the risk of chronic disease and advance health equity.

Areas of Interest

Food as Medicine Initiative

Through its role in the multi-site NutriCare clinical trial, HOPE Lab advances the Food as Medicine Initiative by using targeted dietary strategies as therapeutic tools to prevent and manage chronic diseases. This collaborative model integrates medical care and personalized nutrition to address the complex needs of vulnerable populations.

Enriched Environments

Through HOPE Gardens and technology enabled platforms, HOPE Lab creates supportive, socially connected environments that promote healing, experiential learning, and sustained behavior change. These enriched settings enhance engagement, peer support, and confidence across diverse populations.

Biobehavioral Human Interventions

HOPE Lab develops evidence-based, theory-driven interventions within its enriched garden environment to improve dietary patterns, physical activity, and key health biomarkers. These programs support low-resource families and cancer survivors in achieving sustainable, cancer-preventive lifestyle change.

Motivational Interviewing

HOPE Lab utilizes Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based counseling approach, to help individuals overcome cognitive barriers and strengthen self-regulatory skills for lasting behavior change. Combined with digital tools and remote delivery, this personalized strategy supports long-term adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Translational Clinical Research

HOPE Lab integrates clinical and translational science to evaluate clinically meaningful changes in behavior, body composition, and biological markers related to cancer prevention and chronic disease risk. Using imaging, validated dietary assessments, and emerging metabolomic and microbiome analyses, the lab strengthens the evidence base for long term health improvement.

Key Research Pillars

Precision Remote Counseling

HOPE Lab provides individualized, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle counseling through flexible remote delivery that supports lasting behavior change. Led by Registered Dietitians trained in Motivational Interviewing, oncology nutrition, and chronic disease prevention, this tailored approach strengthens adherence to evidence-based guidelines while fitting seamlessly into participants’ lives.

Medically Tailored Meals

HOPE Lab’s medically tailored meals deliver clinically informed, personalized nutrition designed to meet individual medical needs and support treatment plans. Customized for energy requirements, dietary restrictions, texture modifications, and chronic disease considerations, these home-delivered meals reduce barriers to food access, strengthen nutrition security, and promote recovery. By aligning meals with medication timing, therapeutic guidelines, and post-hospitalization needs, this approach supports chronic disease management and reduces the risk of complications and readmissions.

Group Education Sessions

HOPE Lab’s group education sessions create a supportive, theory-driven environment where participants learn, connect, and build sustainable lifestyle habits together. Led by subject matter experts, including Registered Dietitians, Exercise Physiologists, and oncology specialists, sessions translate current clinical and public health recommendations into practical strategies while fostering peer support, respectful dialogue, and accountability to strengthen long-term behavior change.

Secure Web Portal

HOPE Lab’s secure web portal serves as a centralized hub for education, self-monitoring, and community engagement throughout each intervention. Participants gain access to curated nutrition and physical activity resources, plant-focused recipes, harvest guides, expert session materials, and personalized health data tracking tools. The platform also fosters virtual peer support and direct communication with Registered Dietitians, reinforcing accountability and strengthening adherence to recommended lifestyle behaviors.

Cooking Demonstrations

HOPE Lab’s cooking demonstrations provide hands-on culinary skill development led by Registered Dietitians to build confidence, food literacy, and practical kitchen skills. Using fresh produce from HOPE Gardens and guidance from Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory staff, participants learn proper harvesting, storage, and preparation techniques. Demonstrations highlight how to create flavorful, plant-focused meals that align with national recommendations for cancer prevention and chronic disease reduction

Supportive Technology

HOPE Lab integrates smart, health-focused technology to enhance self-monitoring, accountability, and participant engagement. Through wearable activity trackers, smart scales, and mobile applications, participants can sync real-time data to better understand their behaviors and track progress. Registered Dietitians review this data to provide collaborative, Motivational Interviewing based counseling, combining personalized support with digital tools to strengthen awareness, goal setting, and sustained lifestyle change.