Russell Hall

Bench Labs

Bench Labs

NUTRITION AND METABOLISM RESEARCH LABS

In our state-of-the-art research lab, students can learn how to assess the following in human, animal, and food samples:

  • amino acid and protein profile analyses
  • redox biomarkers
  • phytochemical analysis

Students also learn:   

  • vitamin and mineral bioavailability and metabolism
  • nitrate-nitrite metabolism as a substrate pool for nitric oxide and vasodilation
  • adipose tissue analyses for deposition of bioactive compounds
  • primary neuronal culture
  • immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation
  • cell viability and toxicity assay
  • immunocytochemistry and microscopy
  • state/phase transition and thermal stability of food
  • adsorption isotherm, particle/droplet separation and size analysis

MEET OUR RESEARCH MENTOR

​During the application process, you will be asked to select the research lab that fits your interest.  Read more about our research mentors.   

research 4

CROWE-WHITE REDOX LAB
MENTOR:  DR. KRISTI CROWE-WHITE

Students in this lab investigate the effects of bioactive food compounds and functional foods on cardiometabolic health in both humans and animal models.  Current projects answer the following questions:    

  • What is the role of culinary spices in cultivating a healthy gut microbiome and cardiometabolic profile?
  • Is dietary nitrate an adjuvant treatment during hypertensive pregnancies for improving maternal and offspring outcomes?
  • What is the role of dietary nitrate in cultivating an oral microbiome for vascular health and longevity?

Learn more about Dr. Crowe-White’s research at https://kcrowe.people.ua.edu

NUTRITIONAL NEUROSCIENCE LAB
DR. HAN-A PARK
 

My team investigates molecular mechanisms of neuronal death during neurodegenerative diseases including cerebral ischemia and Parkinson’s disease. Current projects answer the following questions:   

  • What is the mechanism of metabolic alteration in the brain during neurodegeneration?
  • How nutritional, pharmacological, and genetic strategies inhibit neuronal damage or enhance recovery against neurotoxic stimuli?

Learn more about Dr. Park’s research at
http://hpark36.people.ua.edu/

FOOD BIOMACROMOLECULES LAB
DR. LINGYAN KONG

In my lab, we are deciphering the structure-function relationship in food materials. Current projects answer the following questions:    

  • How can we optimize the health benefits of resistant starch by learning from its structure-digestibility relationship? 
  • Can we design novel structures to encapsulate bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and carotenoids? 

Learn more about Dr. Kong’s research at https://lkong.people.ua.edu

TAN LAB
MENTOR:  DR. LIBO TAN

In my lab, we are interested in bio-compounds that are important for the health and development of infants. Current projects answer the following questions: 

  • Will lutein benefit the visual health of newborns? 
  • Can we encapsulate lutein so that it can be included in human milk substitutes or dietary supplements? 
  • Will encapsulation of lutein improve bioavailability of this compound? 

Learn more about Dr. Tan’s research at https://ltan.people.ua.edu