Michelle Cardel

Professor with a passion for advancing studies in obesity and weight management, Michelle Cardel serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Outcomes & Biomedical Informatics at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Her work is deeply rooted in community-engaged research and health outcomes, with a particular focus on understanding and addressing the complexities of obesity, weight loss, and eating disorders. Dr. Cardel's research is distinguished by its emphasis on weight loss maintenance and the retail food environment, exploring how these factors influence eating behaviors and overall health. She is particularly interested in the neurocognitive aspects of obesity, investigating how behavioral weight loss treatments can affect hippocampal volume and cognitive functions. Her innovative approach combines elements of biomedical informatics with practical health outcomes to develop effective interventions. Her dedication to this field has been recognized through funding from prestigious organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, which supports her ongoing research projects. Dr. Cardel's work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also aims to create tangible improvements in public health, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by obesity and related disorders. In addition to her research, Dr. Cardel is committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers, guiding doctoral dissertation projects, and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Her contributions to the field are marked by a blend of scientific rigor and a genuine commitment to improving health outcomes through evidence-based practices.