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Rafaela G. Feresin, PhD (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Dr. Feresin is an Associate Professor of Nutrition at Georgia State University (GSU) with a joint appointment in Biology and Chemistry. She is a Core Member of the GSU Center for Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases and serves as the Director of the Ph.D. program in Chemistry with a concentration in Nutritional Sciences. Dr. Feresin’s research program integrates molecular studies and human trials to identify nutritional strategies for preventing and managing cardiometabolic disorders. Her work focuses on understanding the mechanisms through which functional foods and their bioactive compounds influence disease outcomes, with an emphasis on their safety and efficacy in clinical applications. She and her collaborators have conducted extensive research on the cardiovascular benefits of plant-based foods, particularly berries. Her studies have demonstrated that berry consumption can improve vascular function, reduce blood pressure, and modulate inflammation and oxidative stress, key factors in cardiometabolic disorders. Dr. Feresin’s research has been supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and is currently funded by the USDA-Agricultural Research Service and the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. She has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to three book chapters. Beyond her research, Dr. Feresin is a dedicated mentor and leader in undergraduate and graduate education. She has successfully guided numerous students and trainees, many of whom have received prestigious fellowships, awards, and competitive positions in academia, industry, and government. Her commitment to mentorship has been recognized through multiple awards, including the 2024 Outstanding Research Mentor Award from GSU’s Lewis College and the Center for Advancement of Students and Alumni (CASA). Dr. Feresin is actively engaged in professional societies, including the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), where she currently serves as the Chair for the Dietary Bioactive Components Research Interest Section. Additionally, she is a member of the Editorial Board for Nutrition Research. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the 2024 Mary Swartz Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Nutrition Foundation, the 2022 Top Reviewer Award from the Journal of Nutrition, and the 2022 Outstanding Achievements in Research Award from GSU.

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