Department of Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Research Interests:Dr. Chondronikola’s research interests include: 1) the role of brown and white adipose tissue in metabolic health in humans, and 2) nutritional approaches for the prevention/treatment of obesity and its related metabolic diseases.
While attending the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences, alum Arik Davidyan investigated testosterone’s role in muscle mass gain, maintenance and decay, using mice as experimental models.
Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine
Research Interests: Understanding the immunological underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, Fragile X syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, schizophrenia and mood disorders.
In a study appearing in Endocrinology, Associate Professor Karen Ryan and her colleagues identified the hormone fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) as a control for regulating dietary protein intake in male mice. They found that male mice injected with the hormone increased their intake of dietary protein over carbohydrates and fats.
For 30 years, the Biology Undergraduate Scholars Program has created opportunities in life sciences education and research for over 1,500 students. Over the Picnic Day weekend, BUSP friends and alumni celebrated the program.