Melissa Lopez, PhD, MS, RDN, is an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Prevention Science and Community Health, at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Dr. Lopez’s research focuses on cancer prevention and control among Hispanic populations across the cancer care continuum. Her work integrates metabolic, behavioral, and social-environmental data to inform precision lifestyle interventions and community-engaged translational research.
She holds a joint academic appointment as a lecturer in the School of Nursing and Health Studies and a clinical appointment at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she serves as lead for nutrition in lifestyle medicine and prevention.
Dr. Lopez earned her doctoral degree in clinical translational sciences from the University of Arizona and completed postdoctoral training with Tracy Crane, PhD. Her research has received support from the National Institutes of Health and emphasizes culturally responsive approaches to improving cancer outcomes.
