Department of Research & Evaluation News

A behavioral and public health scientist, Taynara Formagini, PhD, MSc, is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Research & Evaluation. Her work focuses on preventing cardiovascular and chronic diseases among racial and ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations through a combination of intervention research and epidemiology.

What inspired you to pursue research?

I’m a first-generation college student, so I have to admit I had no idea what research really was until I started my undergraduate studies. My university in Brazil — Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora — had a strong research focus, so I was introduced early on to the scientific method by one of my professors and mentors, Dr. Saulo Araujo. Through that experience, I discovered that I could combine my passion for helping communities like mine with the rigor of science. That felt like the perfect match. Since then, I’ve been committed to a career in academia, with a focus on research that uses evidence-based approaches to promote health equity and improve the well-being of underserved communities.

Why did you come to the Department of Research & Evaluation to pursue your postdoctoral training?

Before joining Kaiser Permanente, all my research experience was in university settings. While that training was invaluable, I often found it challenging to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice. My work focuses on developing, testing, and evaluating interventions to prevent and manage obesity and Type 2 diabetes, so it made sense to move into a setting that’s directly involved in patient care. What drew me to the Department of Research & Evaluation was the opportunity to be embedded within a health care system where research is closely aligned with clinical priorities, logistical realities, and patient and community needs — and where it has the potential to make a real difference.

What research are you currently working on that you are most excited about?

One project I’m especially excited about brings together 2 things I care deeply about: the accessibility of digital tools and the important role family plays in our health. I’m working on adapting a digital program that helps family members who live together support each other in preventing and managing conditions like obesity and Type 2 diabetes. I love that this work is so collaborative — we’re combining different areas of expertise to create solutions that are not just evidence based, but also culturally and contextually relevant. I’m especially excited about testing this approach at Kaiser Permanente and hopefully seeing it implemented to help families improve their health in ways that actually fit into their real lives.

What is your ultimate dream for your career?

My ultimate dream is to do work that makes a real, lasting impact on the lives of the individuals, families, and communities I work with, while also mentoring others and helping them achieve their own career goals and aspirations. At the same time, I hope to maintain a healthy work-life balance so I can enjoy quality time with my family and do the things we love together. It might be a big ask, but I like to dream big.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time outdoors with the people I love! A perfect day for me includes things like coffee at a neighborhood cafe, a bike ride along the coast with my husband, beach time with friends, and dinner at a cozy spot after a full day in the sun. I also love cooking! Trying new recipes helps me unwind and turns into a fun way to share something with loved ones.

Photo: Dr. Formagini in San Diego with her dog Isabella