Texas Tech University Research
Shannon Owens-Mallett
Nutritional Sciences
Shannon Owens-Malett completed a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Nutrition at Texas Tech University and has been a registered dietitian for 8 years. She began work in the field of bariatric surgery in 2004 with Dr. David Syn at Advanced Bariatric Surgery Center. She has published numerous nutrition articles on bariatric websites and one for Obesity Action Coalition publication. Shannon has also authored a chapter over weight loss surgery diet guidelines in the Texas Dietetic Association Nutrition Care Manual and has been asked to contribute recipe ideas to the Bariatric Times publication. Shannon published a cookbook for bariatric surgery patients called Extraordinary Taste: A Festive Guide for Life After Weight Loss Surgery. She speaks at various engagements such as seminars, support group meetings for weight loss surgery patients, and at Texas Tech University over the topic of nutrition and weight loss surgery. Shannon is also the dietitian at Texas Tech University Student Wellness Center and runs a clinic two days a week. She is an instructor at Texas Tech University Outreach and Distance Education Center. She enjoys her job and spends extracurricular time with her husband Chad and daughter Madeline. |
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Currently, Shannon is working on research and completion of her dissertation in nutrition and bariatric surgery. The principle investigator for her research is Dr. David Syn, MD and her major research advisor is Dr. Mallory Boylan, PhD. Their research involves the use of a monthly vitamin D supplement to improve vitamin D status in gastric bypass patients. Vitamin D deficiency is common in obese subjects and a significant percentage of patients are vitamin D deficient after gastric bypass surgery due to malabsorption and lower vitamin D consumption. The goal of this research is to find an optimal vitamin D regimen to achieve normal vitamin D levels in gastric bypass surgery patients. Another topic being researched is significant differences in inflammatory mediators in selected tissues in morbidly obese subjects. |
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Obesity is the most common cause of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes and is also associated with dyslipidemia, hypertension, and premature heart disease. Current studies show that obesity is an inflammatory condition. This study will examine which body tissues inflammatory markers are coming from and if fat from different locations in the body produces these markers in different types and amount. Texas Tech University Graduate School has provided excellent support in research and furthering my education. I enjoy the atmosphere at Texas Tech University and appreciate the advice and help that I receive from Dr. Mallory Boylan and Dr. David Syn. I have had such a positive experience and have been successful because the staff that cares for the students who attend the Graduate School. It is exciting to start this research and I have everything I need to complete it. My hope is to continue with research in nutrition and bariatric surgery to discover optimal treatment for this patient population |
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