UMSS20 Student Profile: Leigh Neptune

Leigh Neptune, Food Science and Human Nutrition
Nonverbal displays of pride and shame in LGBTQ+ populations and their relationship with health outcomes
Mentored by Mollie Ruben

Leigh Neptune is studying body language in gender and sexual minorities in order to better understand how these may be signs of mental and physical health status, dietary habits, substance use, and information disclosure in the healthcare setting. Neptune hopes to inform healthcare professionals about behavioral risk factors of health and behaviors so that preventative measures can be taken for these populations.

“I am very passionate about working to improve public health, specifically in underrepresented or marginalized populations. It is extremely important to understand the health disparities that are present within our society, so we are able to implement changes that can positively affect the health-related quality of life in these populations,” says Neptune.