Oxidative stress adaptation, phytochemical antioxidants, oxidative stress and essential fatty acids in behavioral disorders, role of antioxidants in mitigating the complications of diabetes
Basic and clinical human nutrition and exercise studies of macronutrient metabolism, protein and energy requirements, appetite, body composition, obesity and weight loss, muscle strength, and muscle function, with special emphasis on aging.
Molecular mechanisms of vitamin D action through the vitamin D receptor; intestinal calcium absorption; vitamin D and calcium metabolism; vitamin D and cancer chemoprevention; regulation of gene expression; genetic regulation of mineral metabolism
Nutrition and inflammation-associated diseases; Different forms of vitamin E and cancer chemoprevention/chemotherapy; vitamin E forms, botanical antioxidants and asthma.
Dietary composition, eating patterns, and eating behaviors in relation to obesity and its prevention; social and psychological determinants of eating patterns; improvement of dietary assessment methods.
I teach health and fitness assessment and prescription techniques and health education and promotion methods courses in support of the Nutrition, Fitness and Health major. Since January, 2007, I have served as the Interim Administrator of the A. H. Ismail Center.
Ecological approaches to preventing obesity; Peer education; Health behavior theory and motivational factors related to diet and exercise; Special focus on: limited resource audiences and youth
Nutrition and cancer, vitamin D and signal transduction, molecular mechanisms in the progression of cancer, exercise, nutrition and bone health, dietary calcium and body composition, vitamin D regulation of lipid oxidation and insulin resistance
Coordinator for Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP); Research related to nutrition and food safety education for limited resource families and youth; pregnant adolescents and women.