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.
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