Leigh Martin

I am a PhD-trained nutritional scientist with a research career focused on women’s health across the reproductive life course, from pre-pregnancy and pregnancy to lactation and early postpartum health. My experience spans human research, clinical nutrition, study management, data analysis, and scientific communication, with a strong foundation in understanding how nutrition and physiology influence maternal and infant health.

Throughout my career, I have designed and managed research studies, coordinated multidisciplinary collaborations, analyzed and interpreted complex datasets, and communicated scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. I bring a combination of rigorous scientific training, hands-on research experience, project management skills, and the ability to translate complex evidence into clear, meaningful insights. I am excited to apply this interdisciplinary perspective in a scientific affairs role where I can connect scientific evidence with products, programs, and real-world health outcomes.

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Golan Laboratory, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University (September 2025–Present):

Conduct research focused on lactation biology and maternal-infant health, building on a broader research program examining nutrition and physiology across the reproductive life course. Lead and contribute to human research studies involving biomarker assessment, longitudinal data collection, and interpretation of complex biological and nutritional data. Communicate findings through scientific presentations, manuscripts, and collaborative research projects.

Graduate Research Assistant, Micronutrients and Pregnancy Lab, Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University (2020–2025):

Conducted human nutrition research focused on women's health, pregnancy, micronutrient status, and maternal physiology. Developed and implemented innovative approaches for assessing plasma volume in nonpregnant and pregnant women and evaluated biomarkers of vitamin B12 status and anemia. Managed study activities, analyzed and interpreted research data, and contributed to manuscripts, grant proposals, conference presentations, and other scientific communications.

Research Technologist, Micronutrients and Pregnancy Lab, Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University (2017–2020):

Managed day-to-day research operations and supported multiple human nutrition studies focused on women's health and maternal nutrition. Supervised four undergraduate research assistants, coordinated participant recruitment and study activities, and maintained high-quality research data using REDCap. Contributed to laboratory method development, scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, and grant proposals while working closely with faculty and multidisciplinary research teams.

Undergraduate Research Assistant, Micronutrients and Pregnancy Lab, Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University (2016–2017):

Supported human nutrition research examining micronutrient status in women of reproductive age. Assisted with participant screening, biological sample analysis, and research data management using REDCap.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nutritional Sciences – The Pennsylvania State University (2025)

Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics – The Pennsylvania State University (2025)

Master of Science (MS) in Nutritional Sciences – The Pennsylvania State University (2023)

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutritional Sciences (Dietetics) – The Pennsylvania State University (2017)