She received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, a Master of Social Work, a Master of Public Health, and a doctorate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Maria’s research interests are related to maternal and infant health and early maternal risk and protective factors for child obesity. Specifically, she explores the role that maternal depression has on the development of childhood obesity among minority groups. Maria has been a member of the IDEA team since August 2012.