Marissa Epstein, RDN
Program Designer & Lead Dietitian
Marissa is a pediatric dietitian, educator, and leader in nutrition innovation.
Marissa has built, advised and funded health and wellness products, technology, and services for over ten years since she led nutrition initiatives at The White House, where she worked directly with Michelle Obama to drive her Let’s Move! campaign to inspire healthier living.
Since then, Marissa created and launched an innovation curriculum at Stanford University, and she built a first-of-its kind, consumer-facing health education technology at Stanford Health Care that brought digital engagement products to the health system’s patient population.
Most recently, Marissa was the Director of The University of Texas Nutrition Institute, whose mission is to connect nutrition science to food and health. She led the development of nutrition education experiences to empower hundreds of consumers, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs with scientific guidance for a better life.
She currently teaches courses on nutrition innovation and entrepreneurship at McCombs Business School and works with venture capital firms to advise and directly invest in companies building nutritious solutions to Americans’ health concerns, especially those of families with children.
Marissa graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UT with degrees in Nutrition and Plan II Honors. She is a Truman Scholar and received her MBA from Stanford University.
Amy Bryan, Ph.D.
Primary Investigator & Director of the UT Lab School
Dr. Amy Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Learning and Development (Early Childhood Education), a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, and a doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences. She has enjoyed successful careers in teaching, school counseling, and social work.
Dr. Bryan has taught a variety of undergraduate courses in Human Development and Family Sciences. In addition to serving as the director of the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory, she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor in private practice. Dr. Bryan’s research and clinical interests include early childhood development, education, and mental health — especially understanding and strengthening caregiver-child relationships.
Rebecca Crews, Ph.D.
Community Research Partner
Over the course of a decade, Rebecca has immersed herself in nutrition science research, exploring various dimensions of human well-being.
During her studies at Texas State University, she delved into the impact of nutraceuticals on neurodegenerative diseases as part of her M.S. in Human Nutrition.
Her academic journey continued at Tufts University, where she earned a Ph.D. in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition, focusing on the intricate interplay between inflammation and obesity.
Rebecca then embarked on a fellowship with the Air Force Research Laboratory, examining human performance among airmen and women.
Today, as the Research Director at Renue By Science, she leads efforts to infuse science and data into the anti-aging and wellness industry.
Rebecca’s research is driven by a deep-seated passion for improving people's health and well-being. She believes that everyone deserves to know that their efforts in health and wellness are backed by legitimate scientific evidence.