Texas Tech University

Purpose & Framework

Purpose

The purpose of the ORI is to foster and enhance interdisciplinary Basic, Clinical, and Community Translational Research; to understand the causes and complications of obesity; as well as develop methods that will help prevent and treat obesity along with its related complications. The goals of the ORI include increased collaboration among members from both TTU and TTUHSC, which will lead to increased publications, funded grant proposals, as well assist in the training of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows.

ORI is inclusive of basic, clinical and community research that will inform and advance strategies to prevent, decrease and slow down rates of obesity. Our research uses diverse, state-of-the-art approaches, ranging from cellular and molecular studies to animal models of cardiometabolic diseases. Finally, via community based participatory research to address the complexity of obesity from the biological, behavioral, environmental and societal aspects.

Framework

Reports by various federal health agencies and foundations (NIH, CDC, USDA, RWJF, etc.) indicate that the obesity rates in America have reached alarming levels. Texas is among the states with the highest rates of obesity. Given the urgency of this epidemic, Texas Tech University highlighted obesity and diabetes research in its 2010 Strategic Plan, which continues to be emphasized in the Pathway to 2025 TTU Strategic Plan. These strategic initiatives are further strengthened by existing obesity, diabetes, nutrition, cancer and cardiovascular related expertise faculty members across TTU and TTUHSC.

Affiliated Organizations

ORI members come from the following departments and/or centers/institutes of Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center campuses in Lubbock, Permian Basin/Odessa/Midland, and El Paso:

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center