Remembering Dr. Carl Keen
Former Faculty Member, Department Chair and Mentor
Dr. Carl Keen was a remarkable scientist and member of the Department of Nutrition for 40 years. He passed away on March 18th, 2026 due to complications with Parkinson's.
Carl joined the Department in 1981 and served as Chair from 1993 to 2006. During his tenure, his research focused on two areas; the investigation of the influence of maternal diet on the risk for pregnancy complications (maternal, conceptus, and fetal) and the influence of diet on the risk for age-related chronic diseases.
Carl’s research laid a strong foundation for the department’s continued work by advancing our understanding of how diet influences both embryonic and fetal development, particularly through decades of study on micronutrient deficiencies and their effects on oxidative stress, vascular health, and brain development. His later work on dietary factors and chronic disease, including the cardiovascular benefits of plant-rich diets and flavanols, continues to shape and inspire ongoing research in nutrition and health.
Carl will be remembered as an exceptional nutritional biochemist who not only excelled in the laboratory but as an individual with a strong record of public, scientific and university service to the field.
Remembrances from colleagues and friends:
“Carl helped me throughout my career, from when I was a graduate student to all the way to a professor. I will miss him. He was an outstanding mentor, scientist, and colleague. I am deeply grateful for his strong dedication to the department and to the field of nutrition.”
- Gerardo Mackenzie, Chair, UC Davis Department of Nutrition
"Over nearly 40 years, Carl was an outstanding and supportive mentor, role model, colleague, and friend who has had a life-changing impact on my career as well as countless other graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and colleagues. He taught me that rigorous science could and should be combined with fun and humor. Thank you, Carl - we will always remember you."
-Jan Uriu-Adams, retired Associate Research Nutritionist, UC Davis Department of Nutrition
“Carl excelled in his knowledge of basic nutrition science and metabolism and was a visionary in innovative testing of hypotheses in both animal models and humans. I remember his enthusiasm and knowledge about wine, too! I am grateful for his dedication to the Department of Nutrition for so many years.”
- Lindsay Allen, Emerita Professor, UC Davis Department of Nutrition
"Carl was a world leader in the area of trace element metabolism, particularly related to developmental nutrition. His research also provided fundamental insights into our understanding of flavonoids, particularly flavanols, back when people would chuckle at his presentations about cocoa, thinking that he was promoting consumption of candy. As believers in the health benefits of flavonoids, we spent many years personally conducting "important polyphenol research" with some of Napa and Sonoma Valley's finest beverages. Cheers, Carl!
- Robert Hackman, Research Nutritionist, UC Davis Department of Nutrition
“Carl was my mentor when I began my doctoral research close to 50 years ago. His brilliance and his determination to work 15 hours a day intimidated me. His passion for nutrition science was overpowering. But most importantly, Carl was a good friend who supported me throughout my career. I will miss him terribly.”
- Sheri Zidenberg-Cherr, Cooperative Extension Specialist, Emeritus, UC Davis Department of Nutrition
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Carl’s memory may consider making a gift to the Carl Keen Nutrition Graduate Student Fellowship Endowment Fund at UC Davis. This fellowship supports future generations of nutrition scholars, reflecting Carl’s longstanding commitment to mentorship, education, and advancing the field of nutrition.