PhD in Nutritional Sciences and Registered Dietitian with Five+ Years of
Experience in Public Health Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation
with Verbal and Written Communication Skills and Several Presentations at
International Conferences. Five + Years of Experience in Teaching and Research
MARIA J. ROMO-PALAFOX, PhD, RD
4330 Bull Creek Rd Apt 3403, Austin, Texas 78731
Mobile: 512-296-3670 e-mail: majorromo@gmail.com Skype: majo.romo
P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E
Current MICHAEL & SUSAN DELL CENTER FOR HEALTHY LIVING / THE UNIVERSITY OF
TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON – Postdoctoral Fellow
2011- 2015 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN – Graduate Research Assistant
Trained staff, supervised and evaluated data entry process into FIAS (Food Intake Analysis
System). Managed and evaluated database with over 35,000 food items collected. Analyzed data
and crafted manuscripts for submission to journals and presentation at conferences (one
publication in JAND, one manuscript under review by AJCN, two manuscripts in progress).
· Improved and delivered training to data collection staff, increasing accuracy of dietary records
by evaluating number and nature of mistakes. Developed tools and tailored training curriculum,
diminishing staff related costs required to clean data. Reduced frequency of mistakes and cleaned
data entirely, reducing mistakes by 80%.
· Managed and supervised data entry team and developed tools to increase accuracy of data
coding and upload. Increased cleaning detail of database including over 35,000 individual food
items. Maximized funds by automating data entry processes. Spearheaded coding, entry, and data
cleaning. Established precedent for principal investigators to use data to prove efficacy of the
“Lunch is in the Bag” program and to validate use of NIH funds and development of new research
proposal.
· Submitted abstracts for presentation at national and international conferences, obtaining a 100%
acceptance rate (three oral presentations and four posters - above average for graduate students in
the department). Bolstered presentations at conferences by graduate students, boosting credibility
and prestige of the program at the University of Texas at Austin.
2009 UNIVERSIDAD IBEROAMERICANA – Dietetic Intern Tarahumara Region (2009)
Evaluated efficiency of the “Milk Program” to reduce infant malnutrition; evaluated performance of
community health promoters in Raramuri populations.
· Increased accuracy of anthropometric data collection for the “Milk Program,” demonstrating
efficacy of such at reducing childhood malnutrition at indigenous communities. Increased
accuracy of data, enabling foundations to propose grants to increase funds and reduce cost of
training health promoters. Released additional funds to increase communities benefited by the
program. Developed, validated, and implemented, in two months, training programs for health
promoters, comparing accuracy of multiple scales and stadiometers in the field.
2009 Dietetic Intern at Escandon Hospital (2009)
Evaluated sanitary practices and accuracy of kitchen staff to determine diet restrictions for patients.
Trained kitchen staff in comprehension and compliance with dietary restrictions of patients.
· Proposed and evaluated a tool to aid kitchen staff in understanding and complying with dietary
prescription of in-patients. Evaluated, in eight weeks, staff’s comprehension, establishing growth
opportunities, developing and proposing tool to the hospital administration whilst successfully
implementing the tool in kitchen. Curbed errors in diet orders, bolstering client satisfaction and
reducing dietician-billed hours.

MARIA J. ROMO-PALAFOX, PhD, RD Page 2
2009 UNIVERSIDAD IBEROAMERICANA (CONTINUED)
Dietetic Intern at Ambrosia Restaurant (2009)
Evaluated sanitary practices of kitchen staff and dietary quality of meals at breakfast. Developed
recipes with increased dietary quality for breakfast meals offered. Measured sensory evaluation and
satiety cues of original and modified dishes, presenting results to head chef and administrative staff.
· Evaluated, during six months, dietary quality of breakfast menu, developing alternative recipes to
curb energy density and improve nutrient density. Implemented a research protocol that included
sensory evaluation of alternative recipes by kitchen staff and sample clients and evaluated
palatability and satisfaction of such compared to the original with actual clients. Offered healthy
alternatives for original dishes at restaurants, slashing costs by using less expensive produce
whilst increasing client satisfaction and sales, hence creating heftier profit margins.
A C A D E M I C E X P E R I E N C E
2011-2015 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN – Graduate Teaching Assistant
Evaluated and developed curriculum for courses. Lectured, instructed, crafted, and graded exams.
Resolved conflict among students or with professors. Managed group dynamics.
Taught courses (Introduction to Nutritional Science Laboratory, Introductory to Food Science
Laboratory, Advanced Food Science Laboratory, and Clinical Practice in Medical Nutrition
Therapy) with full independence, conducting office hours to assist students. Prepared and graded
assignments, quizzes and exams, collaborating with professors and teaching assistants on course
material, grading policies and improving communication skills. Continually awarded high student
and professor evaluations each semester.
E D U C A T I O N
2010-2015 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN – Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences (August 2015). GPA:
4.0. Community Service: St. Louise House. Awards and Honors Dean of Graduate Studies Summer
Research Fellowship, University of Texas at Austin (2014, 2015), Lorene L. Rogers Endowed
Presidential Fellowship in Nutrition (2013), National Counsel for Science and Technology
(CONACYT, Mexico), Scholarship for Study Abroad (2012), First International
Nutritionist/Dietitian (FIND) Fellowship for Study in the USA (2012), Blue Cross Blue Shield
Scholarship (2011), and The Dean’s Excellence Award, University of Texas at Austin (2010).
Thesis: “Dietary Quality of Preschooler’s Sack Lunches”. Extracurricular Activities: Treasurer of
the Nutrition Graduate Student Association (2-year term) and organization of Annual Food Drive.
2005-2009 UNIVERSIDAD IBEROAMERICANA – B.Sc. in Nutritional and Food Sciences. GPA: 3.76.
Community Service: Tarahumara Foundation. Awards and Honors: Academic Excellence. Thesis:
“Modification of the Energy Density of Entrees Offered at a Restaurant and Characteristics of the
Subjects who Choose them” (December, 2009). Extracurricular Activities: Missionary excursions
to indigenous communities and co-founder of “Give me a Hand” volunteer placement group.
P E R S O N A L
· Languages: Spoken and written proficiency in English and Spanish.
· Software: Office, Access, SPSS, STATA, and SAS.
· Certificates and Training: “Registered Dietitian” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2011);
“Human Research, Social/Behavioral Research” University of Texas at Austin (2010); and
“Certificate in Food Manipulation” Mexican Department of Education (2006).
· Affiliations: Hunger and Environmental Nutrition (2013); Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
(2011); and International Society for Nutrition and Physical Activity and Behavior (2011).
· Interests: Competitive swimming, volleyball, biking, cross-fit and acting (theater).

MARIA J. ROMO-PALAFOX, PhD, RD Page 3
P E R S O N A L S T A T E M E N T
My research career began while pursuing my undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences
in Mexico. Throughout my high school and undergraduate years, I worked and volunteered in different Mexican
states and with at least six different indigenous groups. During those years of volunteer work, I had a glimpse
into my country’s true poverty situation. I discovered that my knowledge of nutrition allowed me to have a
unique understanding of human poverty.
In 2009 I earned a two-month internship with the Jose A. Llaguno Tarahumara Foundation at the
Sierra Tarahumara in Chihuahua. This region has the second to lowest marginal rate in the whole country.
Living with the Raramuri people for two months taught me nutrition as no teacher could ever have. This
experience forced me to understand that each individual is the result of his or her cultural, social, and economic
status. Furthermore, after living with the Raramuri people, I knew I would never be able to ignore the reality of
poverty. I also worked in a research project to identify the differences in food preferences and eating habits of
rural and urban Raramuri children, particularly the preference for native dishes or industrial food.
My main research interest is the study of cultural, political and environmental factors that affect the
health of people in poverty situations. The skills I have acquired as a doctoral student at the University of Texas
at Austin are tools that can help me generate the research needed to improve the quality of life of populations at
risk. The focus of my doctoral dissertation was the dietary quality of preschooler’s sack lunches. I worked with a
large database of highly nested data, and I was responsible for the data management and quality of the program.
The knowledge I acquired on dietary quality measurement, dietary patterns, as well as nutritional requirements
of specific populations are all applicable to the study of both childhood obesity and malnutrition.
The role of nutrition in the development of societies is evident. I consider that my doctoral degree
was the first step towards a life of dedication focused on the development and application of quality research in
developing countries. I am eager to offer my own unique view in the study of nutrition and help enrich the
consideration of cultural differences in research projects. I am confident that working with the group of scientists
at the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston have given
me the tools necessary to make a real difference in the field of Nutritional Sciences. I am also confident that my
previous work in investigation, my constant involvement with different cultural groups, and my experience of
living with underprivileged communities, are qualities that will enhance my performance in the research
community.
S E L E C T E D P U B L I C A T I O N S
 Romo-Palafox MJ, Ranjit N, Sweitzer SJ, Roberts-Grey C, Hoelscher DM, Byrd-Williams CE, Briley
ME. Dietary Quality of Preschooler’s Sack Lunches as Measured by the Healthy Eating Index. J Acad
Nutr Diet. 2015 Jul 16. pii: S2212-2672(15)00648-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.05.017. [Epub ahead of
print]
 Sweitzer SJ, Byrd-Williams CE, Ranjit E, Romo-Palafox MJ, Briley ME, Roberts-Gray C.
Development of a method to observe preschoolers' packed lunches in early care and education centers. J
Acad Nutr Diet. 2015 Aug; 115(8):1249-59. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.03.012. Epub 2015 May 12.
 Calloway EE, Roberts-Gray C, Ranjit N, Sweitzer SJ, McInnis KA, Romo-Palafox MJ, Briley ME4.
Method of assessing parent-child grocery store purchasing interactions using a micro-camcorder.
Appetite. 2014 Dec;83:1-9.
 Sweitzer SJ, Romo-Palafox MJ, Meadows MR. Briley ME. Students in coordinated program in
dietetics engaged with single moms and their children living in transitional housing. J Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics. 2012;112:A84.
 Sweitzer SJ, Romo-Palafox MJ, Magness AM, Calloway EE, McInnes KA, Briley ME, McAllaster
MR. Nutrition education in a transitional housing setting. J Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
2012;112:A75

MARIA J. ROMO-PALAFOX, PhD, RD Page 4
S E L E C T E D P R E S E N T A T I O N S
 Romo-Palafox MJ, Sweitzer SJ, Ranjit N, Roberts-Grey C, Hoelscher DM, Byrd-Williams CE, Briley
ME. Preschoolers’ sack lunches containing milk and 100% fruit juice have higher dietary quality than
other beverage choices. Poster presentation in Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) at
Nashville, Tn, on October 3-6 2015.
 Briley ME, Romo-Palafox MJ, Sweitzer SJ, Ranjit N, Byrd-Williams CE, Roberts Gray C, Hoelscher
DM. Analysis of Preschooler’s Sack Lunches: If parents pack more does the child eat more? Poster
presentation in Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) at Nashville, Tn, on October 3-6 2015.
 Sweitzer SJ, Romo-Palafox MJ, Hoelcher DM, Ranjit R, Roberts Gray C, Byrd-Williams CE, Briley
ME. Preschoolers’ Sack Lunches Containing a Nut Butter and Jelly Sandwich have Higher Dietary
Quality than other Entree Choices. Poster presentation in Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE)
at Nashville, Tn, on October 3-6 2015.
 MJ Romo-Palafox, DM Hoelscher, N Ranjit, SJ Sweitzer, C Roberts Gray, C Byrd-Williams, ME
Briley. Dietary Quality of Preschooler’s Lunches as Measured by the Healthy Eating Index.
International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Annual meeting Edinburg, Scotland
June 2015.
 Briley ME, Romo-Palafox MJ, Sweitzer SJ, Ranjit N, Byrd-Williams CE, Roberts Gray C, Hoelscher
DM. Nutrient Quality of Preschooler’s Lunches as Measured by Dietary Reference Intakes and
Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range. International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and
Physical Activity, Annual meeting Edinburg, Scotland June 2015.
 Sweitzer SJ, Romo-Palafox MJ, Hoelcher DM, Ranjit R, Roberts Gray C, Byrd-Williams CE, Briley
ME. How do Healthy Eating Index Scores Translate to What Parents Pack for Their Preschooler’s
Lunches. International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Annual meeting Edinburg,
Scotland June 2015.
 Romo Palafox, MJ, Ranjit N, Sweitzer SJ, Roberts-Gray c, Hoelscher DM, Briley ME. Impact of
Increasing Servings of Vegetables and Whole Grains on Individual Nutrients Packed in Preschoolers’
Sack Lunches. International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Annual meeting San
Diego, California May 2014.
 Romo Palafox MJ, Sweitzer SJ, Roberts-Gray c, Hoelscher DM, Briley ME. Examination of Fat
Content of Food Sources in Foods Commonly Packed in Preschooler’s Lunches. Poster presentation in
Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) at Houston, Tx, on October 21st
2013.
 Sweitzer SJ, Romo Palafox MJ, Calloway EE, Hoelscher DM, Roberts Gray C, Briley ME. Do parents
change their lunch packing habits to correspond to their children’s need? International Society of
Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Annual meeting Ghent, Belgium May 2013.
 Briley ME, Sweitzer SJ, Romo-Palafox MJ, Calloway EE, Roberts Gray C, Hoelscher DM. Do parent
packed lunches for preschool-aged children measure up to CACFP recommendations? International
Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Annual meeting Ghent, Belgium. May 2013.
 Maria J. Romo Palafox, RD; Sara J. Sweitzer, PhD, RD; Margaret E. Briley, PhD, RD; Cindy Robert-
Gray, PhD. Preschooler’s sack lunches do not meet the dietary recommendations for calcium. Oral
presentation in Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) at Philadelphia, PA, on October 7th
2012.
 Maria J. Romo Palafox, RD; Sara J. Sweitzer, PhD, RD; Margaret E. Briley, PhD, RD; Cindy Robert-
Gray, PhD. Food group servings inside preschooler’s sack lunches. Oral presentation in Experimental
Biology (EB) 2012 at San Diego, California, on April 21-24.
 Maria J. Romo Palafox, RD; Sara J. Sweitzer, PhD, RD; Margaret E. Briley, PhD, RD; Cindy Robert-
Gray, PhD. Do Preschooler’s Sack Lunches Meet the Dietary Recommendations? Poster presentation in
2012 Annual Conference of the International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
(ISBNPA) at Austin, Texas, on May 23-26.

MARIA J. ROMO-PALAFOX, PhD, RD Page 5
R E F E R E N C E S A N D C O N T A C T
I, Maria J. Romo-Palafox, authorize you to contact the people listed below for the purposes of obtaining
employment reference information including information contained in my personnel file and hereby authorize
those people to disclose such information.
1. Margaret Briley, PhD
Adviser
Professor
The University of Texas at Austin
512-471-7632
m.briley@austin.utexas.edu
2. Michele Forman, PhD
Mentor
Director, School of Human Ecology
The University of Texas at Austin
512-232-5879
mforman@austin.utexas.edu
3. Deanna Hoelscher, PhD
Mentor
Director, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living
University of Texas School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus
512-391-2510
deanna.M.Hoelscher@uth.tmc.edu