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Faculty

  • Elizabeth A. Applegate, Ph.D.

    • Senior Lecturer, Department of Nutrition
    • Director of Sports Nutrition, Intercollegiate Athletics

    Office: 3215 Meyer, (530) 752-6682

    eaapplegate@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Applegate instructs two General Education courses, Nutrition 10 and Nutrition 11. She also serves as the Director of Sports Nutrition for Intercollegiate Athletics providing nutrition education for 23 sports teams. Her research interests include the effect of natural food products on exercise performance..

  • Kenneth H. Brown, M.D.

    • Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3253A Meyer, (530) 752-3470

    khbrown@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Brown´s research program includes investigation of the causes, complications, treatment, and prevention of childhood malnutrition in lower-income countries, focusing primarily on issues of infant and young child feeding (breast feeding and complementary feeding), relationships between infection and nutrition, and control of specific micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc, iron and vitamin A.

  • Gary N. Cherr, Ph.D.

    • Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Biologist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 4245 Meyer, (530) 754-7254

    gncherr@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Cherr´s current laboratory focus is on understanding the cellular and physiological mechanisms of reproduction and development over a wide phylogenetic range.

  • Andrew J. Clifford, Ph.D.

    • Distinguished Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3147 Meyer, (530) 752-3376

    ajclifford@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Clifford´s research concerns the dynamic and kinetic behavior of nutrient metabolism as it occurs in vivo in humans. Nutrients of special interest include folate, vitamin E, β-carotene, lutein, and food (fruits/vegetables) components (flavonoids, isothiocyanates, catechins, sulfaraphanes, reservatrol). Foods rich in the above components protect against and hold promise for improved management of developmental, chronic, and degenerative diseases.

  • Kathryn G. Dewey, Ph.D.

    • Distinguished Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Director of Program in International and Community Nutrition

    Office: 3253C Meyer, (530) 752-0851

    kgdewey@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Dewey's research area is international and community nutrition, with an emphasis on maternal and child nutrition.

  • Nilesh W. Gaikwad, Ph.D.

    • Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition/Department of Environmental Toxicology
    • Assistant Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3209 Meyer, (530) 752-5255

    nwgaikwad@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Gaikwad’s research interests include: 1. Development of mass spectrometric analytical methods for comprehensive measurement of the small molecules in the cells/tissues/body fluids. 2. Development of biomarkers by applying target / profile oriented metabolomic methods. 3. Modulation of metabolic profile by using antioxidants, polyphenols, flavones and phytochemicals.

  • Fawaz G. Haj, Ph.D.

    • Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
    • Associate Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3115 Meyer, (530) 752-3214

    fghaj@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Haj´s research program investigates the role of protein-tyrosine phosphatases in metabolism and type 2 diabetes through the use of advanced cellular imaging and genetic mouse models.

    Lab: http://hajlab.ucdavis.edu

  • Peter J. Havel, Ph.D.

    • Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Professor, Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine

    Office: 3426 Meyer, (530) 752-3114

    pjhavel@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Havel is investigating the regulation of energy homeostasis and carbohydrate/lipid metabolism, and the involvement of endocrine systems in the pathophysiology of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

  • Lucia L. Kaiser, Ph.D.

    • Specialist in Cooperative Extension, Department of Nutrition
    • Vice Chair

    Office: 3207 Meyer, (530) 754-9063

    llkaiser@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Lucia Kaiser’s research interests include: examining the impact of acculturation and food security on the child-parent feeding relationship among Latinos; developing tools to evaluate nutrition education; evaluating life skills education on transition from welfare to work. Dr. Kaiser writes a blog called "Maternal and Infant Nutrition Briefs" and maintains the UC Cooperative Extension Community Nutrition website, which provides research updates, nutrition education resources, and evaluation tools that can help those working in the community to support Americans in adopting healthy lifestyles and improving the food environment.

  • Carl L. Keen, Ph.D.

    • The Mars Chair in Developmental Nutrition
    • Professor of Nutrition & Internal Medicine
    • Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3135A Meyer, (530) 752-6331

    clkeen@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Keen’s research group is focused on the influence of diet on the risk for: 1) Pregnancy complication for the mother, conceptus and fetus; and 2) Age-related chronic diseases.

    Lab: http://keenlab.ucdavis.edu

  • Bo L. Lönnerdal, Ph.D.

    • Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3217C Meyer, (530) 752-8347

    bllonnerdal@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Lönnerdal´s research program is focused on two main areas: infant/pediatric nutrition and trace element metabolism.

  • Roger B. McDonald, Ph.D.

    • Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3145 Meyer, (530) 219-5941

    rbmcdonald@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    The primary focus of Dr. McDonald´s research program is on mechanisms of cellular aging and the interaction between nutrition and aging.

  • Patricia I. Oteiza, Ph.D.

    • Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3109 Meyer, (530) 754-6074

    poteiza@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Oteiza has two primary areas of research. The first is centered on the characterization of the effects of trace mineral deficiencies and trace mineral toxicities on early developmental processes. Dr. Oteiza’s second area of research is focused on the putative health benefits of flavonoids.

  • Carolyn M. Slupsky, Ph.D.

    • Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition/ Department of Food Science & Technology
    • Assistant Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3247 Meyer, (530) 219-5757

    cslupsky@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Slupsky’s research interests include the application of analytical metabolomics for the purpose of studying cellular metabolism as it relates to food, nutrient intake, and health status. She predominantly uses NMR spectroscopy to collect as much chemical information as possible about the identity and concentrations of metabolites in cell cultures, tissues, and body fluids obtained from animal models and humans.

  • Francene M. Steinberg, Ph.D., R.D.

    • Department Chair
    • Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
    • Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3135B Meyer, (530) 752-0160

    fmsteinberg@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Steinberg´s research interests focus on the physiologic roles of food phytochemicals, particularly soy protein and associated isoflavones, with regard to cardiovascular disease and overall health promotion. She is also interested in clinical nutrition interventions to reduce chronic disease risk, and the metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins.

  • Christine P. Stewart, Ph.D.

    • Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Assistant Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station

    Office: 3253B Meyer, (530) 752-6697

    cpstewart@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Stewart’s research is related to maternal and child nutrition in low income communities, primarily in developing country settings. Her focus is on both the immediate and long-term effects of poor nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood on birth outcomes, infant and child survival, child growth, and risk of chronic disease in later life.

  • Marilyn S. Townsend, Ph.D., R.D.

    • Specialist in Cooperative Extension, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3150D Meyer, (530) 754-9222

    mstownsend@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Townsend provides leadership and training in the area of nutrition education. Her research includes evaluation studies of intervention programs and integrates theories and methodologies from cognitive psychology with dietary behavior change strategies.

  • Sheri A. Zidenberg-Cherr, Ph.D.

    • Chair, Graduate Group in Nutritional Biology
    • Specialist in Cooperative Extension, Department of Nutrition
    • Co-Director, UC Davis Center for Nutrition in Schools

    Office: 3149 Meyer, (530) 752-3817

    sazidenbergcherr@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Zidenberg-Cherr’s research program studies the impact of multi-faceted approaches to nutrition education on the dietary and lifestyle choices of school-aged children. Her research utilizes a food systems approach in the development and testing of nutrition education curricula and comprehensive nutrition education programs for school age children. She also co-directs the Center for Nutrition in Schools in the Department of Nutrition at University of California, Davis. The goal of the Center is to provide state-of the-art research, outreach, and educational programs to improve the nutrition knowledge, skills, and health outcomes of the nation’s children, assisting them in achieving their full potential academically, socially, and physically.

Emeriti

  • M.R.C. Greenwood, Ph.D.

    • Distinguished Professor Emerita, Department of Nutrition
    • Chancellor Emerita, UC Santa Cruz
    • President, University of Hawaii

    mrcgreenwood@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. M.R.C. Greenwood´s research interests are in national science policy, obesity, diabetes, and women´s health. Her past research work has been on the role of genetics in the development of obesity and diabetes. She is currently interested in national and international policy in these areas and the role of government in the regulation of food and diet.

  • Louis E. Grivetti, Ph.D.

    • Professor Emeritus, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3139 Meyer, (530) 752-2078

    legrivetti@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Grivetti blends classical approaches of social and biological sciences with historical perspectives. The unifying theme of his research is how, why, and under what conditions human diets change, the mechanisms of change, and the nutritional implications of human behavior.

  • Charles H. Halsted, M.D.

    • Professor Emeritus of Internal Medicine and Nutrition

    Office: 6323 Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility, (530) 752-6778

    Fax: (530) 752-3470

    chhalsted@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    The main focus of Dr. Halsted’s research is the regulation of alcoholic liver injury by hepatic methionine metabolism. Previous work established the mechanisms for folate absorption from the intestine, including characterization of a novel enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase, as well the effects of alcoholism on folate metabolism in humans and animal models.

  • Charles E. Hess, Ph.D.

    • Department Chair 2007-2009
    • Dean Emeritus, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

    cehess@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Hess was the Chair of the UC Davis Nutrition Department from 2007 to 2009. He also serverd as Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from 1975 to 1989. In 1989 he was appointed by the President to be the Assistant Secretary of Science and Education in the USDA. He also had two presidential appointments to the National Science Board, the governing board of the National Science Foundation. Upon his return to campus in 1991, he served as the Director of International Programs and has served as a special assistant to the Provost and Chancellor.

  • Nancy R. Hudson, M.S., R.D.

    • Academic Coordinator Emerita

    Office: 3241 Meyer, (530) 754-9749

    nhudson@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Ms. Hudson was the Assistant Program Director of the UC Davis Didactic Program in Dietetics from 2006-2012. Her work focuses on curriculum design, outcomes assessment, and management practice in dietetics.

  • Janet C. King, Ph.D., R.D.

    • Research Professor Emerita, Department of Nutrition
    • Senior Scientist, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute

    jking@chori.org

    Email

    Using stable isotopes and kinetic modeling techniques, Dr. King´s research group studies how calcium and zinc utilization is affected by different physiological states, such as pregnancy, lactation, aging, or insufficient or excessive intakes.

  • Robert B. Rucker, Ph.D.

    • Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Nutrition
    • Distinguished Professor Emeritus, School of Medicine

    Office: 3415 Meyer, (530) 752-2645

    rbrucker@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Rucker's research focus is on the role of nutrients in early growth and development and the physiological roles of quinone cofactors derived from tyrosine, such as pyrroloquinoline quinone.

  • Barbara O. Schneeman, Ph.D.

    • Professor Emerita, Department of Nutrition

    barbara.schneeman@fda.hhs.gov

    Email

    Dr. Barbara O. Schneeman is currently Director of the Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  • Judith S. Stern, Sc.D., R.D.

    • Distinguished Professor Emerita, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3150B Meyer, (530) 752-6575

    jsstern@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Stern´s research interests include: studies to identify genes associated with obesity and renal disease; public policy in obesity (e.g. costs of not treating obesity, social costs to the individual - discrimination; research funding; menu board labeling of calories); childhood obesity; dietary supplements. Dr. Stern writes a blog called "Nutrition Speaks"

  • Helene E. Swenerton, Ph.D.

    • Professor Emerita

    heswenerton@ucdavis.edu

    Email

  • Frances J. Zeman, Ph.D.

    • Professor Emerita

    fjzeman@ucdavis.edu

    Email

Professional Researchers, Lecturers and Adjunct Faculty

  • Sean H. Adams, Ph.D.

    • Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Research Physiologist

    Office: 212 WHNRC, (530) 754-4417

    sean.h.adams@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Adams investigates the etiology of obesity and related metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Research efforts explore which molecular markers and endocrine factors correlate with indices of metabolic health in human nutritional studies and in animal models of obesity, with a primary focus on fat cell physiology.

  • Lindsay H. Allen, Ph.D., R.D.

    • Research Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Director, USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center

    Office: 3245 Meyer, (530) 752-5920

    lindsay.allen@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Allen is the Director of the USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center (WHNRC). Dr. Allen´s research is focused on the prevalence, causes, consequences and prevention of micronutrient deficiencies including iron, vitamin B-12, zinc, vitamin A and riboflavin.

  • Ahmed Bettaieb

    • Assistant Project Scientist

    Office: 3415 Meyer, (530) 752-2645

    abettaieb@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Studying the molecular basis of metabolic diseases, in particular; Obesity, Diabetes, Cancer and Cardiovascular diseases.

  • Ellen Bonnel, Ph.D.

    • Academic Administrator
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 109 WHNRC, (530) 752-4184

    ellen.bonnel@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Bonnel is the Human Studies Manager at the USDA Western Human Nutrition Research Center (WHNRC). The mission of the WHNRC is to create and test food based interventions to improve the health of all Americans.

  • Betty J. Burri, Ph.D.

    • Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 208 WHNRC, (530) 752-4748

    betty.burri@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Burri's laboratory focuses on two areas of research: 1) Research in the metabolism, function, and health maintenance properties of carotenoids; and 2) Developing and optimizing food-based interventions for improving vitamin A status.

  • Britt M. Burton-Freeman, Ph.D.

    • Associate Researcher, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3150F Meyer, (530) 752-0133

    bbfreeman@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Burton-Freeman’s research follows two main themes: 1) Appetite and obesity management and, 2) Vascular disease. Research emphasizes the effects of bioactive food components on mechanistic and behavioral processes of food intake and body weight regulation.

  • Paul A. Davis, Ph.D.

    • Research Nutritionist, Nutrition Department

    Office: TB 163, (530) 752-5402

    padavis@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Davis´ research focuses on the interaction of dietary constituents (macronutrients and nonnutritional components) with processes/risk factors for chronic human diseases (i.e. coronary vascular disease and cancer).

  • Joan S. Frank, M.S., R.D.

    • Lecturer, Department of Nutrition
    • Academic Coordinator, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3241 Meyer, (530) 754-9749

    jsfrank@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Ms. Frank’s work focuses on curriculum design, outcomes assessment, and management practice in dietetics.

  • Ellen Fung, Ph.D., R.D.

    • Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition

    efung@mail.cho.org

    Email

    Dr. Fung's research interests include the assessment of growth, bone health, and mineral homeostasis in pediatric patients particularly those with hematological disorders.

  • Heidrun B. Gross, Ph.D.

    • Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3150C Meyer, (530) 752-8813

    hbgross@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Gross´s research investigates the putative beneficial effects of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds against degenerative disorders, in particular cardiovascular diseases.

  • Robert M. Hackman, Ph.D.

    • Research Nutritionist, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3150F Meyer, (530) 754-9835

    rmhackman@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Hackman’s research addresses the role of nutritional and botanical supplements for health enhancement. He is currently studying the role of nuts and flavanol-rich botanical extracts on vascular function and inflammation, and the role of mushroom and soy extracts in prostate cancer.

  • Marjorie J. Haskell, Ph.D.

    • Associate Research Nutritionist, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3217A Meyer, (530) 754-7415

    mjhaskell@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Haskell´s research interests include:

    1. Bioavailability of vitamin A from plant-based diets
    2. Food based interventions for improving maternal and infant vitamin A status
    3. Use of stable isotope techniques for assessing vitamin A status. Studies are currently underway in Bangladesh and Nepal.
  • Wayne Chris Hawkes, Ph.D.

    • Assistant Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 209 WHNRC, (530) 752-4765

    wayne.hawkes@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Hawkes has conducted research on the biochemistry and nutrition of selenium that has focused on the selenoproteins that are responsible for selenium´s health benefits.

  • M. Jane Heinig, Ph.D.

    • Academic Administrator, Department of Nutrition
    • Director, Human Lactation Center
    • International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

    Office: 1283D Academic Surge, (530) 752-8681

    mjheinig@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Heinig’s research area is maternal and child nutrition, particularly during lactation.

  • Sonja Y. Hess, Ph.D.

    • Associate Research Nutritionist, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3253 Meyer, (530) 752-1992

    syhess@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Hess’ major research interests involve the design, implementation and evaluation of programs to control micronutrient deficiencies among children and women in low-income countries, and related issues of nutrient bioavailability, nutrient-nutrient interactions and nutritional assessment. The research program is generally carried out in the context of community-based intervention trials, using an efficacy or effectiveness study design.

  • Liping Huang, Ph.D.

    • Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 206 WHNRC building, (530) 754-5756

    liping.huang@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Huang is a Research Geneticist with the Western Human Nutrition Research Center. Her research is focused on identifying the genetic influences on zinc homeostasis at molecular and cellular levels in humans.

  • Sandra Huffman, Sc.D.

    • Research Nutritionist

    slhuffman@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Huffman’s research interests focus on development and evaluation of programs and policies to improve infant and young child feeding and maternal nutritional status in developing countries.

  • Daniel Hwang, Ph.D.

    • Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 211 WHNRC, (530) 754-4838

    daniel.hwang@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    The goal of Dr. Hwang´s research is to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which different types of dietary fatty acids modulate receptor-mediated signaling pathways, target gene expression, and subsequent cellular responses, and to determine how this modulation by fatty acids is related to risks of developing chronic diseases.

  • Nancy L. Keim, Ph.D.

    • Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 430 West Health Sciences Dr, (530) 752-4163

    nancy.keim@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Keim’s research program involves validation and application of body composition methodologies, evaluation of the effects of dieting and physical activity on energy expenditure in overweight and obese individuals, and, more recently, development and application of tools to assess appetite, food preferences, and dietary patterns in humans.

  • Darshan S. Kelley, Ph.D.

    • Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 207 WHNRC, (530) 752-5138

    dkelley@whnrc.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Kelley is interested in studying the effects of diets on inflammation and immune responses. The focus of his studies has been the modulation of risk factors for cardio-vascular disease and insulin resistance by dietary fatty acids and phytonutrients. He is also interested in the effects of fatty acids on cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis.

  • Louise L. Lanoue, Ph.D.

    • Associate Project Scientist, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3150E Meyer, (530) 752-3002

    llanoue@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Lanoue´s research is directed towards achieving a better understanding of the role of specific nutrient deficits or excesses on embryonic and fetal development.

  • Kevin D. Laugero, Ph.D.

    • Assistant Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 212 WHNRC, (530) 752-5276

    kevin.laugero@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Laugero´s research is aimed at understanding the role and underpinnings of chronic psychosocial stress in dysfunctional eating behaviors, particularly as they relate to obesity and the metabolic syndrome.

  • Siming Liu, M.D., Ph.D.

    • Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 4306 Meyer, (530)752-5611

    sigliu@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Liu's research focuses on dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying dysfunction and apoptosis of pancreatic islets in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

  • Roy J. Martin, Ph.D.

    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Visiting Scientist
    • Adjunct Faculty, Department of Nutrition

    RMartin@agcenter.lsu.edu

    Email

    The focus of Dr. Martin's research has been on nutrient sensing mechanisms in the gut and brain and how these mechanisms may be altered by dietary fermentable carbohydrates, gut microbiota and metabolic end products.

  • John W. Newman, Ph.D.

    • Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 210 WHNRC, (530) 752-1009

    john.newman@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Newman’s research focuses on the development and application of quantitative profiling technologies for metabolic regulatory domains.

  • Gertrud Schuster, Ph.D.

    • Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 275 WHNRC, (530) 752-8813

    gschuster@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Schuster’s research interest is directed towards the effects of nutrients on lipid metabolism and immune response. Her main focus is to investigate the effects of fat-solulable vitamins, fatty acids, or cholesterol metabolites on gene expression, which is mediated by nuclear receptors (like RXR, RAR, LXR or PPAR).

  • Charles B. Stephensen, Ph.D.

    • Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 204 WHNRC, (530) 754-9266

    charles.stephensen@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Stephensen’s research interests focus on the relation between nutritional status and infectious diseases, particularly the host immune response to infections and the impact of infections on nutritional status.

  • Janet Y. Uriu-Adams, Ph.D.

    • Associate Researcher, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3205 Meyer, (530) 752-4658

    jyuriuadams@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Uriu-Adams´ research focuses on investigating the mechanisms underlying copper and zinc deficiency-induced abnormal embryonic development in mammals, with an emphasis on nitric oxide metabolism and oxidative and nitrosative stress.

  • Marta Van Loan, Ph.D.

    • Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist

    Office: 202 WHNRC, (530) 752-4160

    marta.vanloan@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Van Loan´s research focus is to determine the effect of different diets and eating patterns on body composition, weight and fat loss, bone metabolism in at-risk populations.

  • Susan J. Zunino, Ph.D.

    • Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
    • Research Molecular Biologist, Western Human Nutrition Research Center

    Office: 203 WHNRC, (530) 752-5156

    susan.zunino@ars.usda.gov

    Email

    Dr. Zunino’s lab is interested in the regulation of genomic stability, gene transcription, and protein translation in immune cells in response to phytochemicals and their metabolites. Dr. Zunino is particularly interested in the epigenetic regulation of genome stability in response to genotoxic and oxidative stress, and the role that phytochemical antioxidants may play in controlling these responses, thus preventing the development of hematological malignancies. Other areas of interest include anti-inflammatory activities of phytochemicals and prevention of autoimmunity.

Affiliated Faculty

  • Robert Ackatia-Armah

    • Associate in AES

    rackatia@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Research Scholar located in Burkina Faso working on a collaborative research project between UC Davis and Helen Keller International under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Brown.

  • Xianchao Feng

    • Associate in AES

    xfeng@ucdavis.edu

    Email

  • Cesar G. Fraga, Ph.D.

    • Associate in AES, Department of Nutrition

    Office: 3217A Meyer, (530) 754-6667

    cgfraga@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Fraga´s research program centers on the putative beneficial effects of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds against degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

  • Lynn A. Hanna, Ph.D.

    • Associate in AES

    Office: 3150C Meyer, (530) 752-8812

    lahanna@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    The primary focus of Dr. Hanna´s work is the role of trace elements in regulating early mammalian embryo development.

  • Caroline Kurtz, Ph.D.

    • Associate in AES

    ckurtz@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    In addition to teaching cultural nutrition courses to undergraduate students at UC Davis, Dr. Kurtz oversees the Local Program and Priority Populations Unit of the California Tobacco Control Program with the California Department of Public Health.

  • David McCarron, M.D.

    • Associate in AES

    dmccarron@academicnetwork.com

    Email

    Dr. McCarron currently directs Shaping America’s Youth, which addresses childhood inactivity and excess weight. Dr. McCarron also works with numerous private and public organizations in the area of dietary nutrients in cardiovascular disease.

  • Hagen Schroeter, Ph.D.

    • Associate in AES
    • Director Biomedical Research/Fundamental Cocoa Flavanol Research, MARS Incorporated

    Office: 3150E Meyer, (530) 752-8827

    hschroeter@ucdavis.edu

    Email

    Dr. Schroeter’s main research interests focus on the elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the putative beneficial effects of flavanols against degenerative human diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and neurodegeneration.