Our Research in Action

From multi-institutional clinical trials to community-based garden interventions, HOPE Lab translates evidence-based science into real world programs that improve nutrition, strengthen lifestyle behaviors, and reduce chronic disease risk across the lifespan

NutriCare

Aim: To evaluate an integrated, evidence-based nutrition intervention for lung cancer patients undergoing active treatment.
Results: Demonstrated improved nutritional status, enhanced treatment tolerance, and meaningful improvements in quality of life through personalized counseling and medically tailored meals.

Summer Harvest Adventure

Aim: To prevent childhood obesity and reduce long-term cancer risk through a garden-based, plant-focused intervention for child and caregiver dyads in low-resource communities.
Results: Increased fruit and vegetable intake, improved physical activity engagement, and strengthened adherence to preventive lifestyle behaviors.

NExT (Nutrition and Exercise Trial)

Aim: To support long-term weight maintenance and self-management among adult cancer survivors following intensive intervention.
Results: Sustained improvements in diet quality, body composition, cardiometabolic markers, and quality of life were maintained at one-year follow-up.

Growing Healthy Kids

Aim: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a garden-based intervention for low-resource families.
Results: High engagement, improved healthy eating behaviors, greater food confidence, and increased exposure to new fruits and vegetables.

Harvesting Health

Aim: To test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a multi-component intervention to improve adherence to cancer prevention guidelines among survivors.
Results: Significant improvements in dietary patterns, reductions in red and processed meat intake, and favorable changes in metabolic and cancer-related biomarkers.

The Cancer Continuum

Prevent

Detect

Diagnose

Treat

Survive

Support

HOPE Lab’s work spans the full cancer continuum, translating national evidence-based guidelines into practical interventions across prevention, treatment, and survivorship. With Dr. Colleen Spees serving as a contributor to national cancer prevention recommendations, the lab integrates science and practice to support individuals at every stage.

• Prevention: Pediatric, garden-based interventions promote obesity and cancer prevention guidelines, empowering youth and caregivers to adopt lifelong healthy behaviors.

• Treatment: Multi-center randomized controlled trials integrate Registered Dietitians, individualized nutrition counseling, and medically tailored meals into oncology care to improve outcomes during active treatment.

• Survivorship: Comprehensive biobehavioral programs provide structured, supportive environments to help survivors transition from treatment to long-term health with sustainable lifestyle strategies.