Faculty
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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
Dr. Applegate instructs two General Education courses, Nutrition 10 and Nutrition 11. Her research interests include the role of dietary antioxidants on exercise-induced oxidative damage.
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Kenneth H. Brown, M.D.
- Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 3253C Meyer, (530) 752-1992
khbrown@ucdavis.edu
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.
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Gary N. Cherr, Ph.D.
- Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Biologist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 4245 Meyer, (530) 754-7254
gncherr@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Cherr´s current laboratory focus is on understanding the cellular and physiological mechanisms of reproduction and development over a wide phylogenetic range.
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Andrew J. Clifford, Ph.D.
- Distinguished Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 3147 Meyer, (530) 752-3376
ajclifford@ucdavis.edu
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.
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Kathryn G. Dewey, Ph.D.
- Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Director of Program in International and Community Nutrition
Office: 3253A Meyer, (530) 752-0851
kgdewey@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Dewey's research area is international and community nutrition, with an emphasis on maternal and child nutrition.
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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
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.
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Fawaz G. Haj, Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 3115 Meyer, (530) 752-3214
fghaj@ucdavis.edu
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.
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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
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.
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Lucia L. Kaiser, Ph.D.
- Specialist in Cooperative Extension, Department of Nutrition
- Vice Chair
Office: 3207 Meyer, (530) 754-9063
llkaiser@ucdavis.edu
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.
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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
Dr. Keen´s research group has four main areas of focus:
- The influence of diet on embryonic and fetal development.
- Gene-nutrient interactions.
- How diet influences oxidant defense systems and cellular oxidative damage.
- The effects of diet on the development and progression of vascular disease.
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Bo L. Lönnerdal, Ph.D.
- Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 3217C Meyer, (530) 752-8347
bllonnerdal@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Lönnerdal´s research program is focused on two main areas: infant/pediatric nutrition and trace element metabolism.
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Roger B. McDonald, Ph.D.
- Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 3145 Meyer, (530) 219-5941
rbmcdonald@ucdavis.edu
The primary focus of Dr. McDonald´s research program is on mechanisms of cellular aging and the interaction between nutrition and aging.
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Patricia I. Oteiza, Ph.D.
- Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 3109 Meyer, (530) 754-6074
poteiza@ucdavis.edu
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.
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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
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.
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Francene M. Steinberg, Ph.D., R.D.
- Department Chair
- Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
- Associate Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 3135B Meyer, (530) 752-0160
fmsteinberg@ucdavis.edu
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.
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Judith S. Stern, Sc.D., R.D.
- Distinguished Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 3150B Meyer, (530) 752-6575
jsstern@ucdavis.edu
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.
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Christine P. Stewart, Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Assistant Nutritionist in Agricultural Experiment Station
Office: 3253B Meyer, (530) 752-1992
cpstewart@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Stewart’s research interests focus on the long-term effects of malnutrition during pregnancy and early childhood in developing country populations.
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Marilyn S. Townsend, Ph.D., R.D.
- Specialist in Cooperative Extension, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3150D Meyer, (530) 754-9222
mstownsend@ucdavis.edu
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.
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Sheri A. Zidenberg-Cherr, Ph.D.
- Specialist in Cooperative Extension, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3149 Meyer, (530) 752-3817
sazidenbergcherr@ucdavis.edu
A major focus of Dr. Zidenberg-Cherr´s research and outreach program is the study of the nutritional status of populations considered at risk of nutritional deficiencies and exposure to environmental and physiological stresses.
Emeriti
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M.R.C. Greenwood, Ph.D.
- Professor Emerita, Department of Nutrition
- Chancellor Emerita, UC Santa Cruz
mrcgreenwood@ucdavis.edu
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
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.
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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
Dr. Halsted’s research studies focus on the interactions of folate deficiency and abnormal methionine metabolism in the development of alcoholic liver disease. Studies include animal models and clinical patients.
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Charles E. Hess, Ph.D.
- Department Chair 2007-2009
- Dean Emeritus, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
cehess@ucdavis.edu
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.
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Janet C. King, Ph.D., R.D.
- Research Professor Emerita, Department of Nutrition
- Senior Scientist, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute
jking@chori.org
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.
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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
Dr. Rucker´s research interest focuses on the role of nutrients in early growth and development (emphasizing extracellular matrix relationships) and the physiological roles of quinone cofactors derived from tyrosine, such as pyrroloquinoline quinone.
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Barbara O. Schneeman, Ph.D.
- Professor Emerita, Department of Nutrition
barbara.schneeman@fda.hhs.gov
Barbara O. Schneeman, Ph.D. is Director, Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements (ONLDS), in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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Professional Researchers, Lecturers and Adjunct Faculty
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Sean H. Adams, Ph.D.
- Assistant 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
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.
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Lindsay H. Allen, Ph.D., R.D.
- Research Professor, Department of Nutrition
- Director, USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center
Office: 3253B Meyer, (530) 752-5920
lindsay.allen@ars.usda.gov
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.
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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
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.
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Betty J. Burri, Ph.D.
- Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
- USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist
Office: 208 WHNRC, (530) 752-4748
betty.burri@ars.usda.gov
Dr. Burri´s primary area of research is identifying and defining the metabolism and requirements of antioxidant nutrients (such as beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E), and of lesser known antioxidant phytonutrients (such as lycopene and lutein).
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Britt M. Burton-Freeman, Ph.D.
- Assistant Researcher, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3150F Meyer, (530) 752-0133
bbfreeman@ucdavis.edu
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.
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Dr. Cena´s dissertation research focused on folate intake and food-related behaviors of low-income women of childbearing age. Her current interests include nutrition education and training of school nutrition personnel.
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Paul A. Davis, Ph.D.
- Research Nutritionist, Nutrition Department
Office: TB 163, (530) 752-5402
padavis@ucdavis.edu
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).
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Cesar G. Fraga, Ph.D.
- Research Chemist, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3217A Meyer, (530) 754-6667
cgfraga@ucdavis.edu
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.
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Dr. Fung's research interests include the assessment of growth, bone health, and mineral homeostasis in pediatric patients particularly those with hematological disorders.
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Heidrun B. Gross, Ph.D.
- Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3150C Meyer, (530) 752-8813
hbgross@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Gross´s research investigates the putative beneficial effects of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds against degenerative disorders, in particular cardiovascular diseases.
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Robert M. Hackman, Ph.D.
- Research Nutritionist, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3150F Meyer, (530) 754-9835
rmhackman@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Hackman’s research addresses the role of nutritional and botanical supplements for health enhancement. Dr. Hackman is currently studying the role of flavanol-rich botanical extracts on vascular function and weight management, and the role of a soy-mushroom extract in prostate cancer.
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Lynn A. Hanna, Ph.D.
- Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3150C Meyer, (530) 752-8812
lahanna@ucdavis.edu
The primary focus of Dr. Hanna´s work is the role of trace elements in regulating early mammalian embryo development.
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Marjorie J. Haskell, Ph.D.
- Associate Research Nutritionist, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3217A Meyer, (530) 754-7415
mjhaskell@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Haskell´s research interests include:
- Bioavailability of vitamin A from plant-based diets
- Food based interventions for improving maternal and infant vitamin A status
- Use of stable isotope techniques for assessing vitamin A status. Studies are currently underway in Bangladesh and Nepal.
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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
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.
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M. Jane Heinig, Ph.D.
- Academic Administrator, Department of Nutrition
- Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Human Lactation
- Director, Human Lactation Center
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Office: 1283D Academic Surge, (530) 752-8681
mjheinig@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Heinig’s research area is maternal and child nutrition, particularly during lactation.
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Sonja Y. Hess, Ph.D.
- Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3253 Meyer, (530) 752-1992
syhess@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Hess´s research interests include:
- Assessment of zinc status and evaluation of zinc intervention programs.
- Interactions between zinc and other micronutrients.
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Liping Huang, Ph.D.
- Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
- USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist
Office: 4445 Tupper, (530) 754-5756
huang@whnrc.usda.gov
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.
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Nancy R. Hudson, M.S., R.D.
- Lecturer, Department of Nutrition
- Academic Coordinator, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3241 Meyer, (530) 754-9749
nhudson@ucdavis.edu
Ms. Hudson´s work focuses on curriculum design, outcomes assessment, and management practice in dietetics.
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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
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.
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Nancy L. Keim, Ph.D.
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
- USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist
Office: 121 Humanities and Social Sciences Building, (530) 752-4163
nancy.keim@ars.usda.gov
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.
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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
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.
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Louise L. Lanoue, Ph.D.
- Associate Project Scientist, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3150E Meyer, (530) 752-3002
llanoue@ucdavis.edu
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.
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Kevin D. Laugero, Ph.D.
- Assistant Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
- USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist
Office: 213 WHNRC, (530) 752-5276
kevin.laugero@ars.usda.gov
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.
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John W. Newman, Ph.D.
- Assistant Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition
- USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center Scientist
Office: 210 WHNRC, (530) 752-1009
john.newman@ars.usda.gov
Dr. Newman’s research focuses on the development and application of quantitative profiling technologies for metabolic regulatory domains.
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Gertrud Schuster, Ph.D.
- Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Nutrition
Office: 275 WHNRC, (530) 752-8813
gschuster@ucdavis.edu
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).
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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
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.
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Barbara Sutherland, Ph.D.
- Academic Administrator, Department of Nutrition
- Director, EFNEP Statewide Program
Office: 3202B Meyer, (530) 752-7899
bsutherland@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Sutherland is the Director of the Statewide Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). The goal of EFNEP is to educate people to improve diets, understand nutrition, be knowledgeable about food safety, and shop wisely.
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Janet Y. Uriu-Adams, Ph.D.
- Associate Researcher, Department of Nutrition
Office: 3205 Meyer, (530) 752-4658
jyuriuadams@ucdavis.edu
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.
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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
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.
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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
Dr. Zunino investigates the mechanisms of action of phenolic antioxidants found in foods. The focus of her research is to understand how these antioxidants affect lymphocytes and the immune response in general, and to define the mechanisms involved at the cellular and molecular level.
Affiliated Faculty
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Linda Bacon, Ph.D.
- Associate in AES
- Associate Nutritionist
Office: 3426 Meyer Hall, (510) 526-6343
lbaco@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Bacon’s research examines size acceptance, a reduction in dieting behavior, and a heightened awareness of and response to body signals as a method of supporting improved health for obese women.
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Paul Glyn Jones
- Associate in AES
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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.
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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.
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Hagen Schroeter, Ph.D.
- Associate in AES
- Senior Research Manager, MARS Incorporated
Office: 3150E Meyer, (530) 752-8827
hschroeter@ucdavis.edu
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.