Nutritional Sciences Research

Faculty Research and Labs

 

Allison Childress, Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, LD

As a clinician and registered dietitian with almost 10 years of experience in the field, my research focus is primarily in the area of ingestive behavior. I am specifically interested ingestive behavior and how it pertains to obesity as well as the controversial topic of food addiction. I am also interested in sports nutrition research involving eating disorders and disordered eating in athletes.

Nik Dhurandhar, Ph.D.

1. Laboratory based studies: Our studies are focused on obesity and diabetes related research.  We use various cell and animal models to study molecular mechanisms and cell signaling involved in diabetes and obesity. Some examples include studying the role of infection in developing obesity, or the development of a drug for diabetes from a protein obtained from a virus. We have received many national and international patents for this research.
2. Clinical studies: We conduct studies involving human subjects, which mainly address various aspects of diabetes and obesity treatment or prevention. Examples of some recently conducted studies include determining the role of eggs in enhancing weight loss in adults or children, or the role of protein quality on feeling of fullness, or hormones that control hunger and satiety.
3. Population-based approaches: With the help of collaborators, we have developed software programs that assist health care providers in management of obesity as clinical decision support system and an app to help self-select weight loss diets effectively. This app calculates and recommends nutritional adequate diet choices (along with recipes) that help in weight loss.  Trials in clinical setting as well as in various population groups are underway.   

Vijay Hegde, Ph.D.

The overall focus of our research is in the area of obesity, diabetes and related comorbidities. Ongoing research projects involve:

1. Identifying key factors linking diabetes with Alzheimer's disease.
2. Studying the biological links between obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Shannon Galyean, Ph.D., RDN, LD

After working with bariatric surgery patients since 2004, my research interests are focused on numerous factors that affect the success and failure of weight loss specifically after bariatric surgery. This is to develop better treatments for obesity, diabetes, and vitamin/mineral deficiencies. Specific research interests include:

• Determining the efficacy of vitamin and mineral absorption after bariatric surgery via transdermal application in comparison to oral formulations
• Understanding prebiotics and probiotics and their prospects in altering the microbiota as it relates to metabolic diseases, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance
• Understanding ingestive behavior in obesity with a focus on bariatric surgery patients to help treat weight recidivism and further improve weight loss after surgery
• Evaluating the changes in bone mineral density and body composition in severely obese patients after bariatric surgery

Andrew Shin, Ph.D.

Dr. Shin is interested in understanding how the brain controls metabolism and nutrient partitioning as well as the long-term regulation of body weight and appetite and the underlying mechanisms of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Dr. Shin's current NIH-funded research project aims to understand the role of insulin action in the brain in regulating branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism and how this central control can contribute to glucose homeostasis by using molecular, pharmacological, transgenic, surgical, and integrative physiological approaches. 

 Yujiao Zu, Ph.D.

Dr. Zu conducts research in nutrition and chronic diseases. Her research focus on using cells and animal models to identify interactions and underlying mechanisms between dietary components and obesity-associated disorders, especially insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. She also interests in using nanotechnology to enhance bioactivities of phytochemicals for the prevention and treatment of obesity and aging on immune and inflammatory diseases.