Meet the Team - Voils Lab

Meet the Team

  • Dr. Voils

    Professor

    Dr. Voils completed her MS and PhD in Experimental Social Psychology at the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on identifying behavioral strategies to promote treatment adherence. One line of research focuses on promoting adoption and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Voils was previously the Principal Investigator (PI) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of a partner-assisted intervention for cholesterol management (CouPLES), a patient-oriented weight loss maintenance intervention (MAINTAIN), and a partner-assisted intervention for weight loss (Partner2Lose). She is currently PI of the Log2Lose trial.

    A second line of research focuses on incorporating genomic/genetic information in healthcare delivery. Previously Dr. Voils was the PI of RCTs to evaluate the clinical utility of genetic testing for diabetes and of a family history platform to promote risk-concordant colorectal cancer screening. She is currently the PI of an evaluation of PHASER, a Veterans Affairs clinical program providing pharmacogenomic testing to veterans.

    In addition to developing interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Voils created a self-report measure of medication nonadherence. To learn more, click here.

    Outside of work, Dr. Voils enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family. She is also a cellist in the Middleton Community Orchestra.

  • Fiona Robertson

    Research Specialist

    Fiona earned her BS in Psychology from Edgewood College. Prior to joining Dr. Voils' team, she worked for a non-profit, helping establish several community wellness clinics and serving as an administrative assistant/community engagement specialist for an organization providing services to young adults with disabilities. She currently provides research support on Dr. Voils’ VA and NIH-funded trials and is excited to contribute to research aimed at improving health outcomes and quality of care. Outside of work, Fiona enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and cooking.

  • Research Specialist

    Jamie Colon received her BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is passionate about improving health outcomes within the BIPOC community, and has volunteered for several non-profit organizations serving the homeless community and uninsured patients in the Madison area. Prior to joining WiSOR, she provided project management and data collection for federally-funded studies understanding pancreatic beta cell biology in diabetes pathogenesis. On the team, she provides support with participant recruitment, enrollment, and retention. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning new recipes, volunteering, and reading.

  • Research Dietitian

    Rachael earned her MS in Clinical Nutrition and completed her Dietetic Internship through University at Buffalo. She received her BS in Dietetics from Michigan State University. Rachael brings expertise in providing nutrition education and counseling in both group and one-on-one settings. She has spent much of her career in the maternal-infant health space as a WIC clinic manager. Her experience also includes research with the University of Michigan, exploring novel therapy programs relating to perinatal depression. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, hiking, and traveling.

  • Researcher I

    Katya earned a MS in Biomedical Science and an MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Tufts University School of Medicine in 2023. She received her BS in Neurobiology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2021. As a member of the Voils’ team, she has had the opportunity to work on multiple VA and NIH weight management interventions. Additionally, she has conducted qualitative and quantitative research at Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital. She is passionate about increasing the recruitment and retention of diverse populations in clinical research in order to improve health outcomes. Outside of work, Katya enjoys going to concerts and trying new food.

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Gabrielle Acevedo is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Health Promotion & Health Equity with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. She has been actively involved with the University of Wisconsin’s PEOPLE Program since her first year of high school, as part of her long-term goal to eventually attend physician assistant school and open a medical practice targeted at treating and supporting low-income families. She aspires to become a pediatric physician assistant. In addition to assisting with the Voils Lab, Gabrielle also works as a phone interviewer for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Survey Center. In her spare time, Gabrielle enjoys reading, traveling, and baking.

  • Myla Riehl

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Myla Riehl is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Biology with Certificates in Global Health and Leadership. She is passionate about healthcare, civic engagement, and volunteerism, with a strong commitment to becoming a physician. She has experience working as a home health aide, where she has enhanced her skills in patient care, adaptability, and attention to detail. In the lab, she contributes to research and collaborates with her team to support ongoing projects. Outside of academics, Myla enjoys staying active, volunteering, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

  • Anna Rifkin

    Undergraduate Research Assistant 

    Anna Rifkin is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Psychology with a certificate in Health and the Humanities. She has a strong interest in medicine and public health and plans to pursue an MD/MPH. She has experience working as an EMT, where she enhanced her skills of patient care and communication with a healthcare team. In the lab, she assists the dietitians with co-piloting virtual classes. In her free time, Anna enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.