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Biography
Marla Lujan received her Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology from Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario). She conducted her postdoctoral studies in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan prior to joining the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell. The focus of her research relates to the interplay of nutrition and metabolic status with women’s reproductive health. Specific interests include understanding mechanisms whereby diet, glucoregulatory status and adiposity impact ovulation and lead to loss of regular menstrual cycles (amenorrhea) in women. Her group uses high-resolution ovarian ultrasonography to characterize follicle development during natural cycles, with the goal of corroborating the utility of ovarian morphology to inform distinct causes of anovulation - such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovulatory responses to diet intervention, degree of cardiometabolic disturbance and risk of PCOS in adolescents. Her work also includes cross-disciplinary assessments aimed at understanding unique challenges faced by women with endocrine disruptions including usual dietary intake and physical activity, health-related knowledge and beliefs as well as experiences with healthcare providers.