Principal Investigator
Associate Professor, Departments of Medicine and Population Health

Dr. Jay is currently an associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and co-director of NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Program on Obesity. Dr. Jay also does research and sees patients at the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System. As a general internist, Dr. Jay is passionate about improving the treatment and prevention of obesity and related comorbidities in primary care.

In her free time, when she is not with her family (three kids, husband, 2 dogs, and birds), Dr. Jay trains in Capoeira. She is thrilled to work with such a competent, dedicated, and hardworking research team.

Email: Melanie.Jay@NYULangone.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melanie-jay?trk=public_post-text  

Program Manager - Assistant Director, MOTIVATE Research Lab

Laura Wong is a seasoned research and program management professional with over two decades of experience in clinical research, pharmaceutical development, and cross-functional leadership. Currently serving as a Program Manager at NYU Langone Health, Laura leads multisite research initiatives across premier institutions such as the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Bellevue Medical Center. She manages a team of over 25 professionals and oversees every aspect of project execution—from budgeting and IRB submissions to grant writing and data dissemination.

Prior to her current role, Laura spent nearly four years as a Research Coordinator at NYU, where she played a key role in digital health innovation and clinical trial coordination, including leadership of the PAL Study and VA clinician training programs. Her earlier career includes nearly eight years at Alkermes, Inc., where she advanced from Research Associate to Senior Research Associate, contributing to method development, regulatory compliance, and product quality for drug development.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Boston University and is known for her strategic thinking, strong organizational skills, and commitment to operational excellence.
Email: Laura.Wong@NYULangone.org

Research Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine

Sandra completed her PhD in psychology at the University of Hamburg and was a visiting scholar in the Department of Psychology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Sandra is passionate about understanding the cognitive processes underlying health behavior change and finding new multidisciplinary approaches to health interventions. 

Email: sandra.wittleder@nyulangone.org
Phone: 212-263-4149 
 

Postdoctoral Fellow Project Manager, Bariatric Study

Sally M. Vanegas, PhD, is a NIDDK T32 postdoctoral fellow and program manager of NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Program on Obesity. She has a PhD in biochemical and molecular nutrition with expertise in designing and implementing human studies. Her research interests thus far have included the areas of inflammation, microbiome, obesity, and metabolic disease. As a recently funded T32 Fellow, Dr. Vanegas will investigate the biological factors that contribute to surgical weight loss and analyze metabolic disease regression in a cohort of vertical sleeve gastrectomy patients. In addition, she will explore metabolic factors that can predict which subpopulations undergo different responses to weight loss surgery and disease regression.
Email: Sally.Vanegas@NYULangone.org

Research Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Project Director, Green Activity Pilot (GAP) Study

Dr. Stephanie Orstad is an Assistant Professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Innovation. A behavioral scientist and physical activity epidemiologist by training, her research focuses on multilevel factors that influence health behaviors related to obesity-related chronic disease and community health. In her research she examines how natural and built environmental factors may affect physical activity and chronic disease outcomes, including weight loss maintenance, type 2 diabetes management, and quality of life. She also investigates the effective implementation of evidence-based behavioral interventions for obesity. Dr. Orstad’s long-term goals are to develop and evaluate ecologically informed physical activity interventions that reduce chronic disease risk, particularly among high-risk populations, and to translate effective strategies in primary care and community health settings.

Email: Stephanie.Orstad@NYULangone.org

Research Coordinator WOOP Study, Program Manager VA COIN Center, MOTIVATE Lab

Andrea Aquines is an accomplished research professional with over five years of experience at the MOTIVATE Lab at NYU Langone Health and the VA NY Harbor Health Care System. Throughout her tenure, she has held multiple roles that reflect her growth and versatility, including Project Coordinator, Research Manager, and Research Data Associate. Andrea has led and contributed to several impactful health studies such as the WOOP Study, the Green Activity Pilot, and the Peer Assisted Lifestyle Study, all of which emphasize behavior change, patient engagement, and public health innovation.

In her role as Project Coordinator for the WOOP Study, Andrea trained and supervised research associates, managed complex data systems for hundreds of patient visits, and collaborated closely with institutional review boards and the CDC to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. As a Research Manager, she directed inclusive health research tailored for underserved communities in New York City. As a Health Coach, she designed and delivered motivational interviewing-based programs for prostate cancer survivors nationwide, supporting patients in setting and sustaining healthier lifestyle goals.

At the MOTIVATE Lab, Andrea has consistently demonstrated leadership in coordinating teams, developing training protocols, and managing research workflows across diverse populations. Her work bridges data-driven design with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and health equity.

Andrea’s background also includes service in the U.S. Air Force as both an Air Transportation Specialist and an In-Flight Refueling Boom Operator, bringing a unique combination of discipline, logistics expertise, and commitment to mission-driven work. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry and an MBA from St. Joseph’s University, along with an Advanced Certificate in Project Management from CUNY School of Professional Studies. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Andrea ensures that her work remains accessible, inclusive, and impactful across communities.

Email: Andrea.Aquines@NYULangone.org

Lead Research Assistant, VA WOOP Study

Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and serves as the Lead Research Data Associate and Interventionist for the MOTIVATE Lab. She helps oversee the research and clinical operations of the WOOP VA Study, which explores the impact of an imagery-based goal-setting strategy on weight loss, healthy eating, and physical activity in Veterans. Rachel works closely with Co-Investigators, Project Coordinators, data specialists, and stakeholders within NYU Langone Health and the Manhattan VA to develop and scale research processes for our lab. She assists in leading our team of research assistants as well as training and supervising our WOOP Coaches. Rachel is passionate about evidence-based interventions that enhance overall well-being and is currently training to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Her focus is on supporting individuals' mental and physical health through counseling, nutrition, and holistic lifestyle modifications.

Email: Rachel.cansler@nyulangone.org

Research Assistant, WOOP Study – MOTIVATE Research Lab

Mahima is currently an undergraduate student at New York University pursuing a BA in psychology with a minor in child and adolescent mental health studies. She is a research assistant on the WOOP VA study and is passionate about the use of psychology-based interventions to induce physical health changes. As a result, she is also pursuing an independent research project at the MOTIVATE Lab, funded by New York University’s DURF Individual Grant. In the future, she aims to attend medical school and ultimately become a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Outside of her work in the lab, she is also involved with NYU Langone’s Program for Medical Education Innovations and Research, works as a medical scribe, and volunteers with Crisis Text Line.

Mahima.Khan@nyulangone.org
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaaquines

Research Data Associate, VA WOOP Study

Dilara Portelli is a medical student and a WOOP Interventionist at the MOTIVATE Lab. After three years of volunteer research experience during her undergraduate studies, she transitioned into a full-time role in 2023, contributing to the lab’s mission of supporting Veterans through evidence-based, goal-oriented interventions. Dilara’s work centers on the WOOP VA Study, which investigates the impact of mental imagery and goal-setting techniques on weight loss, nutrition, and physical activity in Veterans.

Her responsibilities include working directly with Veterans to explore and support their health-related wishes and goals, with a focus on improving quality of life and long-term wellness. She is also involved in the lab’s qualitative research efforts, gathering in-depth insights to enhance the effectiveness and delivery of the WOOP intervention.

Dilara’s passion for primary care and preventative medicine drives her interest in addressing obesity and related comorbidities, particularly in underserved communities. With a strong foundation in clinical research, patient communication, and data analysis, she remains committed to advancing holistic, patient-centered care throughout her future career in medicine.

Senior Research Assistant, WOOP Study

Noah is currently a senior at NYU majoring in sociology. In the future, he hopes to attend medical school. He currently works as a medical assistant and volunteers at a local food pantry. In his free time, Noah enjoys playing tennis, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends.

Senior Research Assistant, WOOP Study

Sara Sanchez-Lowin is currently a senior at NYU pursuing a biology major with a minor in Public Health. She plans to attend medical school after graduating to pursue a career in healthcare. Sara’s interest and passion for research has deepened through her work with the VA WOOP study, and she looks forward to exploring more research opportunities in the future. In addition to her academic interests, Sara enjoys golfing, cooking, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Her interests help her maintain a balance as she pursues her academic and career goals.

Research Assistant, WOOP Study & MoSTS Pilot – MOTIVATE Research Lab

Janice Arteaga is a Research Assistant with the MOTIVATE Research Lab at NYU Langone Health, where she has supported the WOOP Study and MoSTS Pilot since February 2023. Her responsibilities include participant recruitment and scheduling, data management, and transcription of qualitative interviews conducted in both English and Spanish.

She earned her B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Physiology from San Francisco State University in 2022. Janice brings to her role a strong background in healthcare-related settings and a commitment to community health and equity.

Driven by a passion for addressing health disparities, Janice is especially committed to serving underserved and historically marginalized populations. Her work in the MOTIVATE Lab aligns with her goal of improving access to culturally competent care, and she aspires to become a physician dedicated to advancing health equity through patient-centered research and practice.

Research Coordinator, MOTIVATE Lab

Christopher Sanchez is a dedicated research professional currently serving as a Research Coordinator. With a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health, Christopher has developed a robust skill set in data analysis and patient-centered research.

In his current role, Christopher coordinates the Mobile Semaglutide Titration with PharmD Support Study where he conducts qualitative interviews to gain insights into patient experiences with obesity management medications. His commitment to ethical research practices is evident in his preparation of materials for the Institutional Review Board and his facilitation of routine data safety monitoring.

Previously, Christopher worked as a Research Assistant on the Retrain Your Brain Study and the Goals for Eating and Moving Study, where he screened patients and collected survey data on health coaching and mobile interventions aimed at addressing obesity.

Email: christopher.sanchez2@nyulangone.org

Research Assistant, WOOP Study

Rhea Saxena is an undergraduate student at New York University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Global Public Health and Biology. She is a Research Assistant with the WOOP VA study at the MOTIVATE Research Lab. In her role, Rhea conducts patient visits, administers dietary and lifestyle surveys, and assists with data verification. She is an aspiring physician interested in women’s health and understanding how social, economic, and environmental factors affect patient care and health outcomes.

Outside of research, Rhea volunteers with the NYU Dementia Art Therapy Alliance, leading art activities with seniors living with dementia. She is also passionate about playing the piano and composing music.

Research Assistant, WOOP Study

Mayumi is a rising senior at Cornell's College of Arts & Sciences, pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences on the pre-medical track. She is currently engaged in virology research at Cornell and also volunteers at the VA, assisting with clinical research and gaining valuable exposure to patient-centered care. These experiences have deepened her interests in medicine and strengthened her commitment to pursuing medical school in the future. In her free time, Mayumi likes to run, watch movies and hangout with friends.

Research Assistant, WOOP Study

Jarek is a senior at Stony Brook University majoring in Health Science with a concentration in Public Health. As a research assistant with the WOOP Study, Jarek works with veterans to collect quantitative and qualitative data and verifies the quality and accuracy of said data. Outside of WOOP, Jarek works as an EMT both volunteer and professionally and is passionate about teaching and implementing progressive protocols and procedures. For fun, Jarek enjoys photography around NYC and does it both freelance and as a hobby.