Research interests
During my doctoral studies, I delved into investigating the prebiotic potential of taro (Colocasia esculenta) and its impact on the human gut microbiome using in vitro human digestion and fecal fermentation methodologies, as well as derived a hypothetically driven dietary pattern informed by gut health principles. Subsequently, I completed my dietetic internship in order to obtain my Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential, enriching my translation from research to clinic in the field of nutrition.
In my current role as a postdoctoral researcher, I plan to investigate the role of dietitian nutritionist services in the treatment of individuals with obesity, one of the most common conditions addressed in primary care, as well as explore the impact of treatment on gut microbiome. Specifically, I will assess the effect of visit frequency of RDN and health coaches on weight loss clinical measures and dimensions of quality of life among individuals who have obesity and have undergone a weight loss program at Dartmouth Health Weight Center. Furthermore, stool samples of these patients will be analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the potential gut microbial changes after 12 months of weight management. The results of this research will shed light on the invaluable role of RDNs and health coaches within healthcare settings, particularly in promoting behavior modifications and dietary adjustments crucial for effective weight management. In addition to the support from the Northern New England Primary Care Postdoctoral Research Program, this research project is supported in part by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Diversity Enrichment Program (BWF PDEP). After the fellowship, I plan to pursue a tenure-track position at an academic institution.
Beyond my research pursuits, I find solace in the outdoors, either running or hiking, as well as cherishing moments spent with my husband and our two beloved canine companions.
Publications
Crippes, L., Saxby, S., Rubenstein, L., Ten Eyck, P., Kamholz, J., Snetselaar, L., Titcomb, T., Wahls, T. (2023). Reduced objective disability in a dietary intervention trial among relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a secondary analysis of the WAVES trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2023 (Article in Press)
Saxby, S., Hass, H., Shemirani, F., Titcomb, T., Eyck, P., Rubenstein, L., Snetselaar, L., Wahls, T. (2023). Association between improved cognitive function and serum fatty acid profiles during a dietary intervention trial in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Int J MS Care. 2023.
Titcomb T.J., Sherwood M., Saxby S.M., Shemirani F., Eyck P.T., Wahls T.L., Snetselaar L.G. Evaluation of a web-based program for the adoption of wellness behaviors to self-manage fatigue and improve quality of life among people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized waitlist-control trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2023 Jun 27;77:104858. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104858. PMID: 37399671.
Shemirani, F., Titcomb, T., Saxby, S., Ten Eyck, P., Rubenstein, L., Snetselaar, L., Wahls, T. (2023). Association of Mood and Mental Health with Changes in Serum Methylation Markers Following the Swank and Wahls Elimination Dietary Interventions in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Secondary Analysis of the WAVES Trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2023 May 1;75:104743. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104743. PMID: 37148578.
Villa, A.T, Tu, B., Titcomb, T., Saxby, S., Shemirani, F., Eyck P.T., Rubenstein, L.M., Snetselaar, L.G., Wahls, T. Association Between Improved Metabolic Risk Factors and Perceived Fatigue During Dietary Intervention Trial in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Secondary Analysis of the WAVES Trial. Frontiers in Neurology, 13 (2023).