Affiliate Investigators from diverse disciplines and over 20 UW Departments utilize NORC services in the conduct of ground-breaking science in areas ranging from methods development and molecular biology to public policy and communication-based interventions.
Overview
Affiliate investigators enjoy priority access to all UW NORC core facilities and services. Through this network, Affiliate Investigators will also gain exposure for their research and publications, have an opportunity to network and collaborate with other UW NORC investigators, and will have expanded access to nutrition and obesity-related conferences, seminars, trainings, and funding opportunities.
The UW NORC offers two categories of membership – Affiliate Investigator (AI) and Associate Affiliate Investigator (Associate AI). The benefits are described in the table below.
Apply below to become an Affiliate Investigator or Associate Affiliate Investigator!
If you are with the University of Washington (requires UWNetID to log-in):
If you are with an UW-affiliated institution (e.g. Fred Hutch, Veteran Affairs, Seattle Children’s, etc.):
Current Affiliate Investigators
Michael Ailion, PhD
Dr. Ailion’s laboratory seeks to identify proteins important for the biogenesis of insulin secretory granules and determining their cellular mechanism of action. Additionally, they are testing whether mutations in these proteins may contribute to genetic susceptibility to obesity and diabetes.
Kim Alonge, PhD
DIO mice and rats exhibit altered PNN abundance. Digestion of hypothalamic perineuronal nets results in hyperphagia and accelerated weight gain on DIO diet. Studies within the PNN project aim to determine whether SA1) DIO changes in rodent PNNs is recapitulated in human hypothalamus, SA2) whether chronic loss of hypothalamic PNNs influences neuronal activity of the underlying hypothalamic circuitry, and SA3) whether loss of PNNs influences the responsiveness of specific hypothalamic neurons to nutritional and hormonal cues.
Pavan Bhatraju, MD, MSc
Research in Dr. Bhatraju’s translational laboratory focuses on kidney complications of sepsis and cystic fibrosis. Specifically, he studies the role of the vascular host response in sepsis related outcomes. He also studies the identification of markers of kidney injury in persons with cystic fibrosis, who have differences in metabolism, body mass and nutrition. These factors in cystic fibrosis can lead to traditional markers of kidney injury, such as serum creatinine, being less informative.
Alessandro Bitto, PhD
Dr. Bitto examines the biochemical and metabolic effects that occur with aging and how to prevent or delay them. Using mouse models of mitochondrial disease and diet-induced obesity, his current work examines the relationship between longevity, obesity and diabetes.
J. Ernie Blevins, PhD
The Blevins laboratory examines the effectiveness of oxytocin to elicit weight loss in a variety of diet-induced obese animal models with the goal to better understand what mechanisms underlie these effects.
Karin Bornfeldt, PhD
Research in Dr. Bornfeldt’s laboratory focuses on cardiovascular complications of diabetes and obesity. Specifically, she studies the roles of lipoproteins, fatty acids, and altered metabolism in circulating and vascular cells in cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes and obesity. She uses both animal models and human samples to identify mechanisms leading to cardiovascular complications of diabetes and obesity.
Michael Bruchas, PhD
The Bruchas lab utilizes cutting-edge innovation in neuroscience to better understand the mechanisms whereby brain neurocircuits influence reward and behavior. Current ongoing studies including research examining the interactions between hunger, stress and anxiety and how this may lead to eating disorders and obesity.
Linda Buck, PhD
Our lab is interested in the mechanisms and neural circuits underlying the sense of smell, stress, and appetite. We are using Cre-dependent AAVs (adeno-associated viruses) and gene editing to investigate the role of specific genes in the regulation of appetite and food intake by mouse AGRP neurons in vivo. We are focusing on genes involved in signaling between neurons. We want to examine the effects of those genes on body weight, food intake, and metabolic parameters linked to appetite and obesity. We are also interested in the effects of olfactory stimuli and stress on the functioning of AGRP neurons.
Carlos Campos, PhD
Dr. Campos’ research program focuses on understanding how neural circuits that control feeding behavior fit within the greater neural network regulating energy homeostasis and behavior.
Megan Capozzi, PhD
Associate AI
My long-term goal is to understand how the islet integrates nutrient signals to achieve energy balance, and how this system breaks down in pathophysiology in order to provide better treatment strategies for metabolic disease.
Rotonya Carr, MD
The Carr lab investigates molecular regulators of hepatic lipid droplet proteins in experimental non-alcoholic and alcohol-associated fatty liver diseases.
Vincenzo Cirulli, MD, PhD
The overarching goal of the Cirulli lab is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that foster the development and function of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Inasmuch as all of these research interests are ultimately aimed at assessing the metabolic performance of pancreatic islet cell populations in animal models, my lab will greatly benefit from the services provided by our UW NORC. Current projects focus on the effects of nutrients, the role of integrin receptors and cell adhesion molecules on islet development and function.
Paul Crane, MD, MPH
I serve as multiple PI of the ACT study (Adult Changes in Thought), a prospective cohort study of older adults that identifies incident cases of dementia and Alzheimer's disease and follows consenting participants to autopsy. We obtain heights and weights and study visits, and also have other anthropometric measures. We have published a variety of papers on BMI and other outcomes over the years and have expanding interest in the role of diet, obesity, and related glucose dysregulation in cognitive impairment and dementia development in older adults.
Julia Cui, PhD
Dr. Cui is trained as a toxicologist, specializing in using toxicogenomic and toxicoepigenomic approaches to determine the effects of environmental chemical exposure and reprogramming the gut microbiome on the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of genes involved in drug metabolism and obesity during development. This research uses mouse models, in vitro cell culture, human specimens, and multi-omics approaches.
Ian de Boer, MD, MS
Patients with CKD are at high risk of adverse health outcomes, including progression to end stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease events, and death. Impaired vitamin D metabolism is a promising therapeutic target to prevent these complications.
Laura den Hartigh, PhD
The den Hartigh lab examines the impact of fatty acids and inflammatory mediators on adipocyte biology during the development of obesity and subsequent weight loss. More recent work examines mechanisms of t10,c12-CLA-mediated weight loss and the role of gut microbiota on adipose tissue function.
Mauricio Dorfman, PhD
Dr. Dorfman’s research focuses on understanding the central mechanisms that regulate energy homeostasis as well as implications of obesity for cardiovascular disease development. In more detail, we investigate the role of glia cells and their interaction with neurons in the obesity pathogenesis, with special emphasis on sexual dimorphisms and the role of sex steroids.
Nicole Ehrhardt, MD
Dr. Ehrhardt’s research hypothesizes that use RT-CGM in those with gestational diabetes will improve/ reduce glycemic variability in pregnancy and potentially improve fetal and maternal outcomes. We predict that this is will secondary to lifestyle and nutritional changes that will be reinforced by seeing real time feedback of glucose levels in response to food choices and exercise and hopefully minimize unneeded weight gain in pregnancy.
Kendra Francis, MD
Associate AI
Dr. Francis is a pediatric gastroenterologist, and her research investigates how nutritional therapies for gastrointestinal diseases (such as exclusive enteral nutritional therapy for Crohn’s disease) affect the intestinal extracellular matrix. She also studies the impact of diabetes and obesity on intestinal barrier function.
Amanda Fretts, PhD
My research focuses on diet, physical activity, obesity, dietary biomarkers (e.g., fatty acids), diabetes, American Indian health, and health disparities, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease risk.
Ken Fujise, MD
The Fujise Lab studies fortilin, a multifunctional protein that promotes atherosclerosis and impacts obesity. We conduct molecular biology and translational research using animal models and human samples.
Jose Garcia, MD, PhD
My current clinical research focuses on the role of ghrelin, androgens and other anabolic pathways in different wasting conditions, including aging, anorexia and cachexia. I have previously interacted with the NORC to design and implement an MRI method to study brain regulation of appetite in response to ghrelin agonism in cancer. My basic laboratory focuses on understanding molecular pathways involved in the development of muscle wasting in anorexia and cachexia.
Sean Gibbons, PhD
Dr. Gibbons' current research focus is on the development of computational and experimental tools that enable the exploration and engineering of host-microbe systems.
Heather Greenlee, ND, PhD, MPH
I run a research group that develops and tests nutrition and physical activity interventions for cancer survivors, with a focus on underserved and vulnerable communities. We also conduct observational epidemiological studies on obesity and cancer.
Angela Hanson, MD
My goal is to continue research in the area of diet and cognition. As a logical extension of my research fellowship and my clinical experience in a memory disorders clinic, I have a deep interest in how dietary factors modulate cognition and Alzheimer’s biomarkers, and exploring the connection between peripheral and brain lipid metabolism in individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Margaret Heitkemper, PhD, RN
Studies of both fecal and serum metabolites in persons with IBS and healthy control women.
D. Taylor Hendrixson, MD FAAP
A large portion of childhood stunting begins prenatally; however, effective interventions to improve fetal and early infant growth are lacking. My research focuses on furthering the understanding of early infant growth and optimizing prevention and treatment strategies for populations at risk of poor growth. Through clinical and epidemiologic studies in low- and middle-income settings, I aim to elucidate the role of maternal health and nutrition on infant growth, development, the metabolome, and the microbiome in order to develop novel directed interventions.
Andrew Hoofnagle, MD, PhD
I am active in the NORC as the Director of the Analytic Core. In this capacity, and in my own research projects and collaborations, I focus on translational analytic chemistry in nutrition and metabolism.
Alyssa Huang, MD
Dr. Huang’s research utilizes MRI neuroimaging techniques to understand the complex relationship between the brain, feeding behavior and development of obesity and diabetes in children and adolescents.
James Hurley, PhD
Dr. Hurley’s project investigates the hypothesis that succinate acts as a mitochondrial uncoupler and as a fuel and studies will determine whether activation of this pathway both prevents and reverses diet-induced obesity by increasing energy expenditure.
Brian Iritani, DVM, PhD
A major focus of the Iritani laboratory is to understand the role of folliculin interacting protein-1 (Fnip1), an intracellular protein known to interact with folliculin and the master metabolic sensor, AMP kinase. Studies examine the effect of nutrients and diets in mice deficient in Fnip1 on energy balance, immune function and skeletal muscle wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
Nina Isoherranen, PhD
I study the impact of obesity in vitamin A metabolism and how altered micronutrient absorption, storage and metabolism may contribute to progressive obesity.
Jessica Jones-Smith, PhD, MPH
Dr. Jones-Smith’s work bridges nutrition, epidemiology, population science, public health and econometrics in order to investigate structural approaches for improving health and decreasing health disparities
Steven Kahn, MB, ChB
My long-standing interest has been in the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes and related disorders. In the context of obesity and nutrition, we have been examining the importance of these in the development and treatment of type 2 diabetes in both youth and adults.
Kendra Kamp, PhD, MS
Dr. Kamp focuses on patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome including the relationship between diet, the gut microbiome, and symptoms.
Alice Kane, PhD
The Kane lab is interested in the investigation of the biological determinants of frailty in mouse models, including the association of frailty with measures of metabolic health and body composition in aging.
Jenny Kanter, PhD
My research seeks to further our mechanistic knowledge of diabetic atherosclerosis. Identifying the mechanisms will aid in developing new and targeted therapies for diabetic vascular disease. My current project aims to determine if diet-induced obesity and diabetes act through additive mechanisms to worsen atherosclerosis.
Bryan Kestenbaum, MD
My research interests include characterizing variability in mineral metabolism pathways among the general population and to investigate whether differences in these pathways influence general cardiovascular risk. My research evaluates dietary, genetic, and metabolic determinants of mineral metabolism in large cohort studies and evaluates whether these mineral metabolism pathways relate to subclinical atherosclerosis, fractures, hypertension, and clinical cardiovascular events.
Francis Kim, MD
Dr. Kim’s research focus is on the role of obesity in the development of liver and vascular disease. He uses in vitro approaches and mouse models of obesity and diabetes in studies examining endothelial nitric oxide signaling and the cellular mechanisms by which excess dietary fats or glucose reduce nitric oxide production in liver.
Meghan Koch, PhD
A current project in the lab is aimed at understanding how maternal antibodies, delivered via breastfeeding, regulate metabolic function in offspring.
Johanna Lampe, PhD, RD
Previous analyses suggest an anti-inflammatory effect of a low-glycemic load diet pattern; however, the metabolic effects of such diets may also affect other pathways relevant to chronic disease risk. Our studies will further our understanding of the impact of low- and high-glycemic load on the proteome and metabolome in healthy men and women in the context of controlled diets.
Cecilia Lee, MD, MS
The focus of our lab research is on the potential retinal biomarkers of systemic diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. We leverage Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches for discovering novel insights into disease development, progression and risk predictions. We plan to collect multimodal data from a large cohort from varying diabetes severity and demographic spectrums for AI research.
Rozenn Lemaitre, PhD, MPH
I do research on biomarkers of diet and metabolism and their association with incident diabetes and cardiovascular disease in prospective studies. Biomarkers of interest include circulating fatty acids, sphingolipids, TMAO and other metabolites. I am also interested in diet-gene interactions, mostly done in the context of the CHARGE Consortium Nutrition Working Group due to the need for large sample size.
Ben Lidgard, MD
My research interests include investigating how chronic kidney disease may alter molecular lipid metabolism, and how these lipids impact risk for comorbid diseases. This may identify novel targets for dietary and medical interventions.
Kate Markey, PhD, MBBS
Dr. Markey’s lab focuses on the interaction between the intestinal microbiome, the immune system, and the outcomes of cancer therapies. Dietary intake is a critical contributor to the composition of intestinal microbial communities and work in the lab aims to understand how diet may be optimized to support the microbiome of cancer patients.
Jason Mendoza, MD, MPH
I focus on behavioral interventions to eliminate inequities in nutrition and physical activity (PA) among racial/ethnic minority and low income children as well as children with chronic diseases.
Stephen Mooney, PhD
I explore social and built environment determinants of obesity and effectiveness of weight management interventions.
Gregory Morton, PhD
Dr. Morton’s research focuses on the role of the brain in the control of energy balance and glucose metabolism and how defects in this control system contribute to the development of obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. Current projects examine the relationship between thermoregulation, energy homeostasis and glucose homeostasis.
Marian Neuhouser, PhD, RD
I study diet, obesity and cancer prevention – through both observational studies and randomized trials.
Grant O'Keefe, MD, MPH
I study enteral nutritional supplementation and the metabolic response to trauma and critical illness.
Vitor Oliveira, PhD
Dr. Vitor Oliveira is an is an exercise scientist interested in studying the relationship between HIV and physical function, and the effects of exercise interventions on the health outcomes of people living with HIV (PWHIV). Current studies that he is involved in include: 1) Analyzing the presence of sarcopenia and body composition changes in PWHIV; 2) the association between adiposity and physical function in PWHIV; 3) the influence of physical activity and diet on symptoms experience among PWHIV (The PROSPER-HIV Study); and 4) the effects of a high-intensity interval training intervention on fatigue levels of PWHIV (The HEALTH Study).
Stephanie Page, MD, PhD
I do some research associated with the impact of sex steroids on co-morbidities of obesity: dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Jisun Paik, PhD, RD
Dr. Paik’s research focuses on examining ALDH1A1, the major enzyme involved in generating retinoic acid in adipose tissue, as a target for the treatment of obesity.
Devasena Ponnalagu, PhD, MS
Associate AI
The prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases is a global health concern. While the role of cation channels in these diseases has been extensively studied, the significance of anion channels is not well explored. Our research focuses to investigate the mechanistic function of intracellular chloride channels in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders and associated cardiovascular diseases. We utilize cellular models and mice to identify the pathways through which intracellular chloride channels contribute to the development of obesity, diabetes, and associated cardiovascular diseases. Our ultimate goal is to develop targeted therapeutic interventions to combat these diseases.
Dan Raftery, PhD
My research aims to develop improved NMR and MS based platforms for advanced metabolomics studies that are applicable to a range of studies from early disease detection and therapy monitoring to basic studies of systems biology.
Michael Regnier, PhD
My laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms of cardiac and skeletal muscle disease and uses this information to develop novel gene therapies and proteins, cells and tissue engineering approaches for treatment of disease.
Christian Roth, MD
My active human studies use randomized controlled trial designs to test whether GLP-1 agonists have the potential to improve satiety and weight status in children with obesity. In my lab, we currently also test different agents as potential anti-obesity drugs in different rodent obesity models.
Brian Saelens, PhD
Examining efficacy of family-based treatment for pediatric weight management.
Investigating environmental and policy influences on obesity, physical activity, and nutrition.
Jarrad Scarlett, MD, PhD
Dr. Scarlett’s work examines the role of the brain in the control of energy- and glucose-homeostasis. His current work proposes to elucidate the mechanism(s) whereby FGF1 action in the brain can promote sustained glucose lowering in murine models of obesity and diabetes.
Jeannette Schenk, PhD, MS, RD
Associate AI
Dr. Schenk's work focuses on the design, implementation and analysis of behavior dietary intervention trials and the development and evaluation of technology-based dietary assessment methods. As a nutritionist and epidemiologist with training and expertise in the causes and prevention of prostate diseases, Dr. Schenk’s research is focused on how diet, exercise and obesity contribute to prostate cancer risk, aggressiveness and progression. Dr. Schenk serves as the lead epidemiologist for several large prostate cancer cohorts, including the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Trial (SELECT) and Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance Study (PASS).
Ellen Schur, MD, MS
The focus of my research is on obesity and brain regulation of appetite in humans. My current research studies investigate the role of inflammation and gliosis of the mediobasal region of the hypothalamus in obesity pathogenesis, the development of co-morbid disease, and obesity treatment response.
Michael Schwartz, MD
The Schwartz lab investigates the hypothesis that the brain plays an essential role to promote homeostasis of both energy balance and glucose metabolism in response to afferent input from adiposity- and nutrient-related signals, and that defects in these systems contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes. Among current ongoing projects is investigation into the mechanisms whereby members of the fibroblast growth factor family (FGF1, FGF19 and FGF21) act on distinct brain cell types to mediate their effects on food intake, body weight and glucose metabolism. Other studies investigate mechanisms underlying brain sensing of blood glucose levels.
Leticia Sewaybricker, MD, PhD
My research focuses on the brain regulation of appetite and body weight in child obesity. I am interested in investigating if behavioral and environmental factors associated with child obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors, could exert their influence through an impact in the brain structure and function.
Marta Soden, PhD
The Soden Lab uses viral genetic approaches to study neural circuits in the hypothalamus and ventral midbrain that regulate motivated behavior, food intake, and metabolism
Garret Stuber, PhD
The major goal of the Stuber lab is to delineate the neural circuits involved in the manifestation of neuropsychiatric disorders including addiction, maladaptive eating behaviors, and anxiety. His current research examines how diet disrupts the function of an endogenous feeding suppression system to promote overeating and obesity.
Katie Strobel, MD
Associate AI
Both the nutritional health of the mother and infant are critical to risks for long-term morbidities. My research is interested in how we can optimize lactating parents’ health in order to improve human milk composition. I am interested how differences in human milk composition impact infant gut microbiome, metabolome, and clinical outcomes such as growth and nutrition.
Savitha Subramanian, MD
Dr. Subramanian's focus is on genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of familial partial lipodystrophy in individuals with severe insulin resistance.
Joshua Thaler, MD, PhD
Dr. Thaler’s focus is on CNS control of energy balance and glucose homeostasis with a focus on glial mechanisms contributing to obesity and diabetes pathogenesis. In particular, his research aims to determine whether glial cells provide a repair response to diet-induced damage to critical hypothalamic neurons and whether interventions targeted at glia may therefore influence the course of obesity. A second study examines the role of inflammatory signaling in hypothalamic neurons and microglia in obesity-associated insulin resistance and diabetes.
Arthi Thirumalai, MD
Associate AI
My research interest lies in understanding the interplay between androgens and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity and steatotic liver disease.
Rong Tian, MD, PhD
My research focuses on the role of nutrient processing and mitochondrial metabolism in cardiac and other disease processes. My current human study examines the use of a nutritional supplement on heart failure.
Jenny Tong, MD, MPH
Dr. Tong’s clinical and basic science research related to obesity and glucose intolerance.
Subbulaxmi Trikudanathan, MD, MRCP, MMSc
Dr. Trikudanathan's current study is of the prevalence and key determinants of hepatic steatosis in patients with Type 1 diabetes and obesity.
Kristina Utzschneider, MD
Understanding whether increased glycemic variability and oxidative stress are important in beta-cell dysfunction is critical for the development of effective strategies aimed at the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. In addition, understanding the contribution of dietary factors to beta-cell dysfunction in subjects with pre-diabetes can have a significant public health impact, including changes to dietary counseling and promotion of healthier eating patterns.
Tomas Vaisar, PhD
Coronary heart disease accounts for mortality in 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moreover, type 2 diabetes patients face a 3-fold increased risk for atherosclerosis as well as mortality compared to subjects without diabetes. By integrating mechanistic animal and cellular studies with human observation, our proposed research seeks to define clinically relevant pathways by which obesity and T2D promotes atherogenesis by inducing macrophages dysfunction. Understanding the mechanistic basis of this dysfunction is required to maximize therapeutic opportunities for intervention.
Ana Valencia, PhD
Ana is a Research Assistant Professor in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition at the University of Washington. Her research program covers both translational and basic science, focusing on the role of mitochondrial energetics in metabolic disease. Dr. Valencia's research training includes degrees in Dietetics and Kinesiology with a specialization in Exercise Physiology from the University of Maryland, as well as a postdoctoral fellowship focused on aging muscle metabolism at the University of Washington. Her current studies investigate how mitochondrial energetics adapt in response to nutritional stressors and how these adaptations affect cardiometabolic health and energy balance. Dr. Valencia is committed to creating an inclusive and sustainable work environment that values both individuals and the planet.
Luke Wander, MD
I conduct long-term epidemiological studies to learn about obesity-related anthropometric risk factors for diabetes in mothers and their offspring.
Joanne Wang, PhD
Dr. Wang’s long-standing research interests have focused on understanding the biology, physiology and pharmacology of membrane transporters that transport neurotransmitters, nutrients, drugs and toxins across biological membranes. The current study is aimed at investigating the physiological, pharmacological and pathological functions and significance of the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) and the functional related transporter SERT. Specifically, the goal is to characterize the role of SERT and PMAT in the regulation of food intake, body weight and glucose metabolism.
Hunter Wessells, MD
Nutrition, body weight and diabetes mellitus influence highly prevalent urological diseases including urinary stone disease, erectile dysfunction, and disorders of the lower urinary tract and bladder. My work seeks to identify high risk individuals for these conditions and use -omics approaches to develop intervention and prevention strategies to reduce the burden of urological complications.
Oleg Zaslavsky, PhD, MHA, RN
Dr. Zaslavsky is currently studying the development and evaluation of a mobile health intervention to support healthful dietary choices in older persons with frailty.
Sakeneh Zraika, PhD
Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern regulation of whole-body glucose homeostasis in metabolically altered states like obesity is critical to developing therapies for affected individuals. Currently, neprilysin inhibitors are FDA approved for use in conditions like heart failure and hypertension. However, neprilysin inhibition may also prove effective for lowering glucose levels by increasing plasma levels of GLP-1 as well as by modifying levels of bile acids. By utilizing a rodent model of diet-induced obesity and neprilysin deficiency, our studies should be informative in this regard.