Meet the Researchers
Science is catching up to the brilliance of human milk
In the Department of Nutrition and the Graduate Group in Nutritional Biology at UC Davis, our scientists are diving deep into the wonders of human milk — from its unique composition to how it shapes lifelong health.
Our researchers are exploring the bioactive components in human milk, how human milk supports the developing infant gut microbiome and immune system, and the impact of maternal diet, environment, and health on milk quality. They are also investigating innovations in lactation science, community health and public policies that support families everywhere.
Laurie Nommsen-Rivers, Ph.D., RD, IBCLC — Academic Administrator & Adjunct Associate Professor
Research Area: Physiologic factors that influence milk production during lactation.
"Most new parents plan to breastfeed due to its proven health benefits, but low milk production is a common concern. While breastfeeding support and education in achieving frequent, thorough milk removal can help, these strategies don’t work for everyone—and we lack evidence-based solutions for those who still struggle. Seeing this firsthand drove me to focus my research on understanding the causes of low milk supply and finding effective clinical interventions.”
Daniela Hampel, Ph.D. — Project Scientist
Research Area: Development of methods to analyze human milk and maternal plasma to assess micronutrient status in mothers and infants, with a focus on populations in developing countries.
“Robust method development for accurately assessing micronutrient in human milk -or any other matrix- is essential for generating reliable data, which forms the foundation for evidence-based recommendations and policies."
Jennifer Smilowitz, Ph.D. — Assistant Professor
Research Area: How diet and nutrition shape the gut microbiome, with emphasis on the critical first 1,000 days of life.
“Scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and society must look to lactation and breast/chest-feeding as foundational strategies for building resilient and healthy communities from birth and shaping health across generations.”
Carolyn Slupsky, Ph.D. — Professor
Research Area: How diet influences health via the gut microbiome and metabolism, using integrated approaches such as NMR metabolomics and microbial analysis to advance precision nutrition.
“I have a strong passion for understanding the factors that shape human health and identifying strategies to prevent chronic disease. My interest in this field began 25 years ago when I started working with physicians to study how metabolism changes in both acute and chronic diseases. This led me to question how we define health, ultimately sparking my ongoing research into the determinants of health and disease."
Bruce German, Ph.D. — Distinguished Professor & Chemist Emeritus
Research Area: How dietary fats and other food components influence health and metabolism, using milk—an evolutionarily selected food to nourish growing mammals—as a model to uncover the physical, functional, and nutritional principles that inform the design of health-supporting diets.
"If we understood how milk nourishes for lifelong success, we could guide the next generation to be the healthiest, safest, most productive, joyful and relaxed people in human history."
Lauren Au, Ph.D., R.D. — Associate Professor
Research Area: Integrates innovative dietary assessment, AI technology, and nutrition policy to advance obesity prevention and nutrition security among low-income and racially diverse populations. She specializes in evaluating the impact of safety net programs like WIC and the National School Lunch Program on health outcomes.
“I believe in the power of prevention for combating chronic diseases. I focus my research on improving nutrition policies that positively impact children and families from low-income backgrounds."
Christine Stewart, Ph.D. — Professor and Director
Research Area: Centers developing and evaluating nutrition and health interventions for women and young children in low-income communities, with a focus on their impact across the life course.
"I have always wanted the work that I do to have an impact on improving people's lives. By focusing on nutrition during the first 1000 days of life, we can have an impact on an individual's entire life."
Reina Engle-Stone, Ph.D. — Associate Professor
Research Area: Focuses on global public health nutrition, emphasizing micronutrient nutrition for women and young children in low-income settings, with key themes including food fortification program evaluation, cost-effectiveness of interventions, and nutritional assessment.
"Supporting early life nutrition is one of the most impactful investments we can make in community health and development."
Media Resources
- Public Relations, Department of Nutrition, nutritionpr@ucdavis.edu