Melissa J. Vilaro
0000-0003-3975-0274

Specialist

Publications

A Taste of Culture: Overview of the Systematic Refinement of a Culinary- and Spice-based Extension Program

Isabella Alobele, Lori Johnson, Hillary MacMichael, Amy Mullins, Ava Theng, Madison Gindea, Ryan Perez, Tatiana Tchuisse, Yvette Vork, and Melissa Vilaro

Taste of Culture is a culinary-based Extension program that integrates cultural exploration, culinary skills, and evidence-based health benefits of cooking with herbs and spices. This publication provides an overview of several key topics relevant to the curriculum review and update. It describes the systematic review and feedback process, highlighting topics associated with high-quality health education (e.g., culturally relevant language, message framing, health literacy, engagement, visual design, program goals, learning objectives). This is the second publication in a two-part series related to the Taste of Culture curriculum. Written by Isabella Alobele, Lori Johnson, Hillary MacMichael, Amy Mullins, Ava Theng, Madison Gindea, Ryan Perez, Tatiana Tchuisse, Yvette Vork, and Melissa Vilaro, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, January 2026.

A Taste of Culture: Evidence-based Health Benefits of Cooking with Herbs and Spices

Isabella Alobele, Lori Johnson, Hillary MacMichael, Amy Mullins, Ava Theng, Madison Gindea, Ryan Perez, Tatiana Tchuisse, Yvette Vork, and Melissa Vilaro

This publication covers the health benefits of cooking with herbs and spices with a focus on up-to-date scientific evidence on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic health benefits associated with their culinary use. This is the first publication in a two-part series related to the Taste of Culture curriculum. Written by Isabella Alobele, Lori Johnson, Hillary MacMichael, Amy Mullins, Ava Theng, Madison Gindea, Ryan Perez, Tatiana Tchuisse, Yvette Vork, and Melissa Vilaro, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, November 2025.

Colorectal Cancer Prevention: How to Screen for Colorectal Cancer and Why 45 Is the New 50 When It Comes to Screening

Melissa J. Vilaro, Valeria Westring, and Rebecca M. Elliott

This article is for adults at average risk of getting colorectal cancer. This article is meant to help readers understand primary prevention and risk reduction approaches. Written by Melissa J. Vilaro, Valeria Westring, and Rebecca M. Elliott, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, May 2023.

Preventing Colorectal Cancer: A Detailed Guide to Screening Methods and Accessing Screening in Florida

Melissa J. Vilaro, Valeria Westring, Jennifer Woodard, Samara Purvis, LaTrina Massey, and Wendy Wood

This is the second installment in the colorectal cancer prevention series. This article is intended for adults who fall within the recommended age range (45 to 75 years old) for colorectal cancer screening. This article aims to provide up-to-date information about several approved options available for colorectal cancer screening. Written by Melissa J. Vilaro, Valeria Westring, Jennifer Woodard, Samara Purvis, LaTrina Massey, and Wendy Wood, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2024.