Biography
Dr. Padideh (Padi) Lovan is an assistant professor at the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition. She received her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Sciences from Iran, and her master’s and Ph.D. from Florida International University in Dietetics and Nutrition, where she also completed her dietetics internship and became a registered dietitian.
Dr. Lovan completed 4 years of postdoctoral training at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami. Dr. Lovan's research examines the multilevel influence on cancer risk behaviors, such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, among youth. Her current work focuses on developing a study model that integrates individual-level psychosocial factors, family dynamics, and the built environment to better understand their combined impact on health. She is expanding this framework to include additional population groups within the community, with the overarching goal of advancing both cancer prevention and survivorship through evidence-based strategies that address risk behaviors across the lifespan. Dr. Lovan is a member of the Bouchet Honor Society at Yale University, is actively engaged in multiple interdisciplinary projects, and holds leadership positions within the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior.
Education
- Florida International University, MS, Ph.D.
- Azad University, BS