Maria Gombi-Vaca

Assistant Research Professor

Dr. Maria Gombi Vaca is an Assistant Research Professor at the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Gombi Vaca’s research focuses on developing and validating metrics to assess the nutritional quality of food environments, particularly those serving low-income and food-insecure populations. In her current work, Dr. Gombi Vaca applies an implementation science framework to conduct a community-based intervention aimed at improving the application of nutrition guidelines in food banks. Dr. Gombi Vaca’s earlier research has added to the evidence base of the effects of ultra-processed foods on diet-related outcomes and food environment and behavioral factors that influence food choices. Dr. Gombi Vaca works towards engaging communities to enhance the school nutrition environment and informing policy recommendations that aim to increase scratch meals and access to local, fresh foods, as well as reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods.  Dr. Gombi Vaca completed a Post-doctorate at UConn Rudd Center, a Doctorate in Public Health at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, and earned an MPH from Rio de Janeiro State University.