Recent CNRC News
Weaning, more than a change of food: it shapes a life-long healthy gut
March 19, 2026:
According to a team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Tongji University and collaborating institutions, weaning or switching from milk to solid food in early life doesn’t just change what babies eat, it helps reprogram the gut’s immune defenses to mount faster and stronger responses that can last into adulthood.
Misregulated alternative splicing in endometriosis: a role for aberrant mRNA variants in endometriotic cell growth
March 15, 2026:
Endometriosis affects million women worldwide, yet what truly drives it has remained frustratingly out of reach. A collaboration between the labs of Dr. Hari Yalamanchili and Dr. Rama Kommagani at @BCM has uncovered a critical clue: alternative splicing, a key molecular “editing” process, goes seriously off track in endometriotic tissue, disrupting two genes, GALNT7 and ZNF28, that normally help keep cell growth in check and allowing endometriotic cells to proliferate unchecked. This discovery adds an important new dimension to our understanding of how endometriosis develops at the molecular level and opens promising new avenues for targeted therapies.
Study suggests teens with obesity may face higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life
July 14, 2025:
The teen years are the most critical for building lifelong bone strength, according to lead researcher Fida Bacha, M.D., of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. “While adults with type 2 diabetes are known to have increased risk of fractures, this has not been investigated in youth with type 2 diabetes,” Bacha said. “We wanted to understand how childhood obesity and early type 2 diabetes affect bone health as children grow.”
The findings of this study were presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual ENDO 2025 meeting in San Francisco, California.
Motion sickness brain circuit may provide new options for treating obesity
Motion sickness is a very common condition that affects about one in three people, but the brain circuits involved are largely unknown. In the current study published in Nature Metabolism, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital describe a new brain circuit involved in motion sickness that also contributes to regulating body temperature and metabolic balance. The findings may provide unconventional strategies for the treatment of obesity.
Rise in Weight-loss Drug Prescriptions for Kids
Dec. 26, 2024
Pediatric obesity is a serious threat to the health of our children worldwide. Newer FDA-approved medications are available to help treat children 12 years of age and older but there are many unanswered questions regarding their use in teens. Dr. Stephanie Sisley was interviewed by CBS as a part of a segment on treating adolescents with obesity with these medications.
Integrating GABA and dopamine signals to regulate meal initiation
Dec. 19, 2024
When you are feeling hungry, the brain takes the necessary steps toward consuming a meal. Many of these steps are not well known, but a new study published in the journal Metabolism by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston reveals brain circuits and chemical messengers that contribute to the regulation of meal initiation and food intake.
Researchers discover a new metabolic compound that regulates body weight
Nov. 12, 2024
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and collaborating institutions report in the journal Cell the discovery of BHB-Phe, a novel compound produced by the body that regulates appetite and body weight through interactions with neurons in the brain.
How estrogen's millisecond-fast action happens
Oct. 2, 2024
Estrogen, the major female ovarian hormone, can trigger nerve impulses within milliseconds to regulate a variety of physiological processes. At Baylor College of Medicine, Louisiana State University and collaborating institutions, researchers discovered that estrogen’s fast actions are mediated by the coupling of the estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) with an ion channel protein called Clic1.
From Obesity to Strong Bones: Essential Tips for Healthy Kids
Sept. 12, 2024:
ARS-funded research at the Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas, delves into the critical connection between childhood obesity and bone health. The research uncovers how excess weight in Hispanic children can negatively affect bone density and mineral content, potentially increasing the risk of fractures. Researchers emphasize the importance of physical activity as a protective measure against these adverse effects and discuss practical strategies for parents to prevent obesity from the outset.
Eating for necessity or pleasure? There is a brain circuit for that
Aug. 8, 2024:
People eat either because they are hungry or for pleasure, even in the absence of hunger. While hunger-driven eating is fundamental for survival, pleasure-driven feeding may accelerate the onset of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Alterations in human gene TRPC5 cause obesity and postpartum depression
July 2, 2024:
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Cambridge and collaborating institutions have discovered that alterations in the human gene TRPC5 cause obesity and postpartum depression.
Serotonin 2C receptor regulates memory in mice and humans - implications for Alzheimer's disease
June 28, 2024:
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Cambridge in the U.K. and collaborating institutions have shown that serotonin 2C receptor in the brain regulates memory in people and animal models.
Researchers join consortium to prevent type 2 diabetes in children - September 2023
Low-glucose sensor in the brain promotes blood glucose balance - July 11, 2023
Oops. After ten years and 1,000 studies, epigeneticists uncover trouble in their tool box - Jan. 11, 2023
Grb10 offers a potential new approach for treating obesity - Jan. 3, 2023
Serotonin 2C receptor associated with obesity and maladaptive behavior - Dec. 19, 2022
Scientists patent gene that may help cope with climate change - Sept. 29, 2022
The benefits of exercise in a pill? Science is closer to that goal - June 14, 2022
Study shows kids grow faster during school year, compared to summer break - June 15, 2022
Abnormal activity of brain circuit causes anorexia in animal model - May 2, 2022
Estrogen-regulated brain circuit that helps females control obesity identified - Jan. 20, 2022
SRC-2 at center of survival adaptations to food shortages - Dec. 7, 2021
Beyond genetics: Early nutrition and epigenetic prediction of future health outcomes in humans - Nov. 8, 2021
Grant funds obesity prevention research among Hispanic dads and children - Oct. 19, 2021
CNRC Director, Dr. David Allison gives the Ralph D. Feigin Memorial Grand Rounds presentation.
On March 6, CNRC Director, Dr. David Allison, was the featured speaker for the Ralph D. Feigin Memorial Grand Rounds. This grand rounds lecture stands as one of the most significant intellectual traditions at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. Established to honor the monumental legacy of Dr. Ralph D. Feigin—a giant in pediatrics who served as Physician-in-Chief for 31 years—this forum serves as a bridge between groundbreaking research and clinical excellence. Being selected as the Feigin Chair Presenter is a distinct honor reserved for those whose work mirrors Dr. Feigin’s own commitment to scientific discovery and the pursuit of truth. Dr. Allison’s presentation exemplified this standard, showcasing the type of innovative and creative nutrition research that defines the future of pediatric health.
Recent CNRC Member Highlights
2025 Dr. Dennis M. Bier Award for Best Pediatric Nutrition Research Publication Recipient
The Dr. Dennis M. Bier Award for Best Pediatric Nutrition Research Publication recognizes outstanding scholarship advancing child health and nutrition. Presented within the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in partnership with Texas Children's Hospital, the 2025 award honors Dr. Rojelio Mejia for his publication, "Epidemiology of intestinal parasite infections and multiparasitism and their impact on growth and hemoglobin levels during childhood in tropical Ecuador: A longitudinal study using molecular detection method." Dr. Mejia’s research focuses on the epidemiology of intestinal parasite infections in children, particularly in tropical settings, and examines how multi-parasitism affects growth and hemoglobin levels. Using advanced molecular detection methods in longitudinal studies, his work strengthens understanding of how infectious diseases contribute to childhood undernutrition and anemia, informing strategies to improve global child health.
SMART program students showcase their summer nutrition research projects.
A cohort of students that participated in the Baylor College of Medicine SMART (Summer Undergraduate Research Training) program was selected for mentoring by researchers at the CNRC. After 8 weeks of intensive hands-on research on a wide variety of nutrition projects, they each presented a summary of their findings to their group and other CNRC researchers. The program successfully introduced this exceptional group of undergraduates from across the country to the breadth of scientific subjects that nutrition research encompasses. (August 2025)
Dr. Ruth Wooton-Kee was invited to serve as a member of the Research Awards Committe.
Dr. Ruth Wooton-Kee was invited to serve as a member of the Research Awards Committee for the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) society. (September 2025)
Annual Meeting of the American Society for Nutrition Awards
Congratulations to CNRC Postdocs on their recent awards received at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Nutrition!
Katelyn Senkus, Ph.D., (top) (Mentor: Nancy E. Moran, Ph.D.) won a first place award for the Carotenoids and Vitamin A Research Interest Group’s Poster Competition.
Megumi Seese, Ph.D., (bottom) (Mentor: Nancy E. Moran, Ph.D.) won first place in the Emerging Leaders Competition for the Carotenoids and Vitamin A Research Interest Group.
Congratulations to our CNRC Postdocs! (July, 2025)
2025 Class of Distinguished Fellows
CNRC researchers Dr. Marta Fiorotto and Dr. Robert Shulman in the Department of Pediatrics, have been selected by the American Society for Nutrition as two of the 21 members who will be inducted into the 2025 Class of Distinguished Fellows. This is the highest accolade bestowed by ASN, and honors individuals for their significant contributions and outstanding lifetime achievements in the field of nutrition. (February 2025)
Dr. Nancy Butte receives Samuel J. Fomon Nutrition Award
Congratulations to Dr. Nancy Butte, emeritus professor of pediatrics, who received the Samuel J. Fomon Nutrition Award. (October 2024)
Dr. Jayna Dave selected to participate in national 2024-2025 Mid-Career Research Leadership Development Program
Dr. Jayna Dave has been selected to participate in the competitive, national 2024-2025 Mid-Career Research Leadership Development Program with the Society for Pediatric Research in the Outcomes, Epidemiology, & Health Services research group. The program aids mid-career scientists focused on child health, in building skills and competency in important topics related to leading a research group and career transitions. (August 2024)
Journal of Nutrition established The Teresa A. Davis Award in Growth and Protein Nutrition
The Journal of Nutrition established The Teresa A. Davis Award in Growth and Protein Nutrition to honor Dr. Davis’ exceptional leadership as Editor-in-Chief, 2014 to 2023 and her significant contributions to the field of growth and protein nutrition. The annual award goes to the 1st author of novel nutrition research paper related to protein and amino acid metabolism and growth in animals and humans, published in The Journal of Nutrition during the preceding year. The recipient will also receive a $1,000 honorarium. (August 2024)
Megumi (Hashida) Seese, Ph.D. and Anna Norman, B.S. won third and first place
Megumi (Hashida) Seese, Ph.D. (top) and Anna Norman, B.S. (bottom) won third and first place in the Carotenoid and Vitamin A Research Interest Group’s Poster Competition of the American Society for Nutrition’s 2024 Nutrition Conference. Seese is a postdoctoral trainee and Norman is a medical student trainee in Nancy E. Moran’s laboratory at the CNRC. (July 2024)
Highlights Archive
Katelyn Senkus, Ph.D. won the Carotenoid and Vitamin A Research Interest Group’s Emerging Leaders in Nutrition competition with her research abstract entitled “Plasma Lycopene and Lutein Concentrations Are Associated With Reduced Adiposity and Improved Metabolic Health in Healthy Infants” at the American Society for Nutrition’s NUTRITION 2024 Conference held in Chicago, IL June 29-July 2, 2024 Senkus is a postdoctoral associate in Nancy E. Moran’s laboratory at the CNRC. (June 2024)
Dr. Nancy Moran has been recognized as an outstanding reviewer for The Journal of Nutrition (JN) in 2024, as announced by the American Society for Nutrition. Congratulations to Dr. Moran for this achievement, which reflects her exemplary review quality, quantity and timeliness throughout 2023. (April 2024)
After dedicating 21 years of leadership to the Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC), Perry Rainosek is embarking on a new chapter within the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Recently Perry held several temporary assignments with the USDA, while simultaneously continuing to support the CNRC. Perry has now embraced a permanent role as the USDA, ARS Deputy Chief of Staff. While the agency is based in Washington, DC/Beltsville, MD, Perry will continue to work remotely from the Houston area. Throughout his tenure at the CNRC, Perry ensured seamless federal operations. The CNRC faculty and staff owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his unwavering dedication. We extend our heartfelt wishes for success in his new role. (February 2024)
Alvin Tak, a University of Houston student currently engaged in research within Michael Dzakovich's lab has been selected as an IRTA (Intramural Research Training Award) scholar. Alvin will dedicate the upcoming year to conducting studies in Dr. John Ngai's laboratory, with a specific focus on olfactory nerve regeneration. With ambitions of becoming a clinician-scientist, Alvin is determined to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. program in neuroscience. (February 2024)
A Symposium held on Jan. 22, 2024, at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) celebrated the remarkable scientific career and leadership of Dr. Dennis M. Bier, a distinguished figure in pediatric endocrinology and nutrition research. Dr. Bier's journey began with his graduation from Le Moyne College and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, followed by fellowships at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and service in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Returning to Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM), he co-directed the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, pioneering research in mass spectrometry to explore nutrient kinetics and metabolic pathways.
Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Bier's influence extends to leadership roles at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and directorships at WUSM and the CNRC at Baylor College of Medicine (1993-today). His commitment to mentorship and scientific rigor has propelled advancements in pediatric nutrition research. The afternoon symposium served as both a homage to his career and a critical examination of the strengths and weaknesses within the field of nutrition. Opening remarks were given by Dr. Morey Haymond and presentations by prominent researchers: Dr. David Allison, Dr. Elmquist, Dr. Christopher Newgard, and Dr. David Klurfeld. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Teresa Davis, followed by a reception attended by colleagues from across the nation, honoring Dr. Bier's extraordinary career. (January 2024)
Dr. Kristine McDermott, a fellow in Dr. Xu’s lab here at the CNRC, has been selected as the Trainee Representative for the Neuroscience Section of The Obesity Society (TOS). In this role, Kristine will play a key part in shaping the 2024 TOS meeting as a member of the leadership board. (December 2023)
Stephanie Sisley, an associate professor at the CNRC and a specialist in pediatric endocrinology and obesity medicine, highlighted in her New York Times interview that pediatric obesity doesn't have a dedicated treatment specialty, posing challenges in assigning responsibility and securing an adequate number of physicians to address the problem effectively. (December 2023)
Yongxiang Li, a CNRC post-doc in Dr. Xu’s lab was recently awarded an American Diabetes Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (1-24-PDF-56) for his project “Treating obesity caused by TRPC5 deficiency” (January 2024). This prestigious fellowship serves as a testament to his dedication in advancing our understanding of diabetes and its management. (December 2023)
Dr. More Haymond, a distinguished professor emeritus at Baylor College of Medicine, has received the 2023 Mayo Clinic Distinguished Alumni Award. He defined the regulation of leucine and protein metabolism, and his use of minidose glucagon and dosing algorithm are now common practice in pediatric and diabetes practice. The award was established in 1981 by the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees to acknowledge and show appreciation for exceptional contributions of Mayo Clinic alumni to medicine. (November 2023)
Dr. Nancy E. Moran, an assistant professor here at the CNRC, offered her expert insights on the health advantages of the tomato carotenoid, lycopene, in a recent article featured in The New York Times. (November 2023)
In a Science article, Dr. Stephanie Sisley, who has recently been promoted to the position of Associate Professor (congratulations), recounts her personal journey of reevaluating her approach to work-life balance. Her narrative sheds light on the significance of professional connections and the unanticipated assistance that can arise during life's toughest trials. (November 2023)
Mengjie (Emma) Wang, from Dr. Xu's lab recently received an F32 award from NIH-NICHD (1F32HD112123-01A) for her project "Nutrition Regulates Sexual Function." This award will support her research and certainly help advance her career. Congrats! (October 2023)
Yong Xu, Ph.D. received the BCM 2023 Michael E. DeBakey Excellence In Research Award. (October 2023)
Teresia O’Connor, M.D., M.P.H., has been selected to be a mentor for the APS/SPR Journeys and Frontiers in Pediatric Research program (2023/2024). The national program is for early career pediatric researchers nominated by their chairs to receive career mentoring, feedback on research, and networking with experienced pediatric researchers in academia. (October 2023)
Alexis Wood, Ph.D. was invited to be Chair of the Nutritional Epidemiology Research Interest Section at ASN (3-year term, currently Chair-elect). (October 2023)
Jayna Dave, Ph.D., has been elected to the Society of Pediatric Research. (October 2023)
Teresa Davis, Ph.D. is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nutrition (Jan. 1, 2014 - Dec. 31, 2023)
Dr. Yong Xu was a part of a collaborative study "Serotonin 2C receptor associated with obesity and maladaptive behavior" involving Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Cambridge and the University of Exeter Medical School. The study was highlighted in a BCM press release along with being published in Nature Medicine journal on Dec. 19, 2022. After the release, the research was additionally acknowledged by the following news websites: Mirage News and Nature Reviews Endocrinology. View the BCM press release.
Dr. Hesong Liu, a postdoctoral associate in Dr. Yong Xu’s lab from the CNRC has been selected as a recipient of an NIH Pathway to Independence Award for her project entitled: “A 5-HTergic DRN vCA1 circuit and Alzheimer’s disease.” Dr. Hui Zheng from the Huffington Center on Aging is the co-mentor. (July 2023)
Dr. Kristine McDermott (Conde), a CNRC post-doc in Dr. Xu’s lab was awarded an F32 from NIH-NIDDK (1F32DK134121) for her project "5-HT Neurons and Meal Regulation" (February 2023)
Nancy E. Moran, Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatrics, was elected to serve as the co-vice chair for the Gordon Carotenoid Research Conference. This international, multidisciplinary scientific conference is held every two years to address the biology and chemistry of carotenoids and carotenoid derivatives across microorganisms, plants and mammals, including humans. Gordon conferences focus on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of unpublished research and by prioritizing discussion and interactions among scientists of all career stages. Moran’s co-vice chair is Li Li, Ph.D. of the USDA/ARS Robert Holley Center for Agriculture and Health at Cornell University. (January 2023)
The American Pediatric Society announced 95 new members, including three from the Children's Nutrition Research Center. Society members are recognized child health leaders of extraordinary achievement who work together to shape the future of academic pediatrics. New members will be recognized during the APS Presidential Plenary April 29 at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2023 Meeting. Listed below as pictured top to bottom.
- Dr. Sheryl Hughes, professor of pediatrics – nutrition
- Dr. Teresia O’Connor (middle), associate professor of pediatrics and associate director for human sciences at the CNRC
- Dr. Yong Xu (bottom), professor of pediatrics and associate director for basic sciences at the CNRC (January 2023)
Doug Burrin Ph.D. received the 2023 Bruce Bistrian Nutrition Mentorship Award from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Doug Burrin Ph.D., professor of pediatrics at BCM and research physiologist at the Agricultural Research Services, received the 2023 Senior Scientist of the Year Award from the Agricultural Research Services (January 2023)
Dr. Yongxiang Li, a CNRC post-doc in Dr. Xu’s lab was awarded Postdoctoral Fellowship Award from American Heart Association (AHA, 23POST1030526) for his project "Trpc5 and Obesity" (January 2023).
Dr. Hailan Liu, a postdoctoral associate in Dr. Yong Xu lab from the CNRC was awarded the postdoctoral fellowship Award from American Heart Association (AHA, 23POST1030352) for her project "A Cold-sensitive Neuronal Population Regulates Energy and Thermal Homeostasis." (January 2023).
Jennette Moreno, Ph.D. was accepted as a member of the Society of Pediatric Research. (October 2022)
Dr. Miao-Hsueh Chen, associate professor of pediatrics – nutrition, has been awarded a 2022-2023 BCM Cardiovascular Research Institute Pilot award for her proposal, "Lineage and molecular analyses of the cardiac origin of brown adipocytes." (Sept. 16, 2022)
Dr. Salma Musaad, associate professor of pediatrics – nutrition, has been awarded a National Institutes of Health AIM-AHEAD Fellowship Program in Leadership grant for her proposal, "Using Machine Learning to Investigate Intervention Effect Disparities and Digital Phenotypes Among Black Girls; Brain #67674-I." (BCM Faculty News, Sept. 8, 2022)
Dr. Lucas Tu, a postdoctoral associate in Dr. Yong Xu’s lab, has been selected as a recipient of a 2022 Trainee Professional Development Award from the Society for Neuroscience. (Sept. 7, 2022)
Teresa Davis Ph.D. was elected President of the American Society of Animal Science for the year starting July 14, 2022 through July 20, 2023.
Dr. Yang He in Dr. Xu’s lab was awarded the Chinese American Diabetes Association Fellowship Award for his oral presentation at the 13th Scientific Symposium of the Chinese American Diabetes Association in New Orleans, La., June 1 – 3, 2022.
Margaret Raber, DR.P.H., M.P.H received a one-year award from the Texas Children's Hospital Pediatric Pilot Research Fund for the study “Project LAUNCH: the development of a skill-based, digital nutrition program to launch low-income high-schoolers into healthy adulthood”. During this one-year project, Dr. Raber will work with Texas Children's faculty from the Mobile Clinic Program (Sanghamitra Misra, M.D., and Cassandra Duran, DNP, RN) to engage students and staff from a local charter school in the development of an online nutrition education program,. July 2022
Stephanie Sisley, M.D., received a R01 from NIH-NIDDK (R01DK128117-01A1) for her project “Brain VDR Regulate Glucose Balance,” (4/5/2022-3/31/2027). June 2022
Dr. Sheryl Hughes’ and colleagues’ article was selected as the 2022 Best Article in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. They showed that parents who took part in a childhood obesity prevention program for parents and their Head Start children (SEEDS) prevention parents reported healthier feeding practices and their children were less likely to have overweight or obesity compared to controls at the 12-month follow-up. June 2022
Alli Antar, Ph.D., received a one-year award from the Texas Children's Hospital Pediatric Pilot Research Fund for the study “Dissecting the Role of ChREBP in Brown Adipose Tissue.” The goal of this one-year project is to identify new, nutrient-sensitive targets that regulate whole-body energy expenditure and glucose metabolism in order to develop novel treatments for pediatric patients at increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as associated pathologies. June 2022
Chishinga Callender, MS, senior research coordinator for Dr. Deb Thompson’s research team, was awarded the Outstanding Abstract by a Student Member Award and Meritorious Award for her abstract entitled, "The Perspectives of Black Mothers on Factors Influencing Dietary Choices in their Families and Communities" by the Society of Behavioral Medicine Child and Family Health Special Interest Group. April 2022
Erica Soltero, Ph.D. was selected as a fellow to the Obesity Health Disparities- PRIDE (Programs to Increase Diversity Among Individuals Engage in Health-Related Research) training program funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The goal of this two-year program is to provide early-career faculty with mentorship, training, and funding opportunities to establish independence in a research area that addresses obesity disparities. June 2022
Teresia O’Connor, M.D., MPH was elected to the Society of Pediatric Research Council from the specialty area of public health and epidemiology. She will serve on the council for a three-year term beginning June, 2022.
CNRC faculty were recently recognized in June with plaques for achievements within the pediatrics department.
- 2021 Research Mentorship Award: Stephanie Sisley, M.D.
- 2021 Young Investigator Award: Nancy Moran, Ph.D., Stephanie Sisley, M.D.
- 2021 High Impact Publication Award (senior Author): Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
- 2020 Research Mentorship Award: Teresia O’Connor, M.D., MPH
- 2020 Young Investigator Award: Jana Dave, Ph.D., Alexis Wood, Ph.D.
- 2020 Young Investigator Award: Qi Wu, Ph.D.
Teresa A. Davis Ph.D., professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center, was elected president-elect of the American Society of Animal Science. ASAS is the leading professional society whose mission is to advance the discovery and application of scientific knowledge concerning the care and responsible use of animals to enhance animal and human health. August 2021
Teresa A. Davis Ph.D., professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center, was recognized as an American Society for Nutrition Fellow at the society's annual meeting. The Fellow award is the highest honor that the society bestows and recognizes scientists who have had distinguished careers in the field of nutrition. Dr. Davis is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nutrition and a Past-President of ASN. June 2021
Teresa Davis, Ph.D. is a member of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (Feb. 2, 2019 - July 1, 2020)
New to the CNRC
Xia Gao Ph.D. (Bella)
Xia Gao Ph.D. (Bella) received her doctoral degree in biochemistry from University of Alberta, Canada, where she was trained in phospholipid metabolism under Drs. Dennis Vance and René Jacobs in 2015. From 2015-2021, she pursued her post-doctoral training initially with Dr. Jason Locasale, and then with Drs. Christopher Newgard and Donald McDonnell at Duke University. In December of 2021 Dr. Gao joined the faculty of Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics-CNRC and holds a secondary academic appointment in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at BCM. Dr. Gao’s lab is keen in understanding the interactions of nutrition, metabolism, and metabolic disease, particularly amino acid metabolism in cancer and obesity.
Xia Gao, Ph.D., received a R00 from NIH-NCI (R00 CA237618) for her project “Understanding methionine metabolism and its therapeutic potential in cancer” (April 1, 2022 - March 31, 2025), and a CPRIT (PEND-CANCER PREV & RSCH RR210056) for her project “Employing dietary methionine restriction to enhance chemotherapy efficacy” (Aug. 31, 2021 - Aug. 30, 2026).
Michael Dzakovich
Michael Dzakovich Ph.D. (Mike; Tomato) joined the CNRC during September, 2021 as a research plant physiologist with the USDA-ARS. Michael was most recently a postdoctoral research scholar at the Plant’s for Human Health Institute (NC State University) in Dr. Mario Ferruzzi’s laboratory studying carotenoid absorption. Previously under the guidance of Dr. Jessica Cooperstone, Michael completed a doctorate at The Ohio State University focused on defining the health benefits of tomato consumption using targeted and untargeted metabolomics, transcriptomics, and quantitative genetics. The Dzakovich Lab seeks to leverage analytical chemistry and plant breeding strategies to elucidate the genetic and environmental underpinnings of phytochemical metabolism, deliverability, and health impacts. In his free time, Michael has been learning guitar accompaniment of Andalusian folk music since 2008, distance cycling, building/repairing things, and all things food.
Hari Krishna Yalamanchili
Hari Krishna Yalamanchili (Hari) joined the CNRC as an assistant professor in February 2021, and he also has a secondary academic appointment at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, BCM. Prior to joining CNRC, Hari did his postdoctoral training primarily focusing on computational neurogenomics jointly in the laboratories of Dr. Zhandong Liu and Dr. Huda Zoghbi in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at BCM. His lab develops computational and machine learning models leveraging multi-omic datasets to understand the fundamental and translational aspects of various neurological disorders. His goal is to bridge computational and experimental approaches to decode complex biological phenomena. Making data talk is what keeps him motivated. His areas of investigation include RNA processing, regulatory network systems and epigenomics. At leisure, Hari is likes to cook, hike, camp, and travel.
Clavia Ruth Wooton-Kee
Clavia Ruth Wooton-Kee (Ruth) joined the CNRC as an assistant professor in January 2021, and she has a secondary academic appointment in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at BCM. Prior to joining the CNRC, Ruth was a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. David Moore in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at BCM. Her lab focuses on the molecular pathways that mediate hepatocellular injury and nuclear receptor regulation of metabolism. Ruth grew up in the Hyden, Kentucky, a small town in the Appalachian region of Eastern Kentucky. Outside of her scientific pursuits, Ruth’s young family keeps her busy, and she has devoted much time in support of her daughter’s various extracurricular pursuits. Ruth also enjoys running, flower gardening, music, and hiking.
Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel
Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel (Ben) received his bachelor's degree in microbiology and chemistry from St. Cloud State University, and in 2004 received his doctoral degree in genetics from the University of Utah, where he trained under Nobel Laureate Dr. Mario Capecchi. From 2005-2010, he was a post-doctoral fellow with Drs. Lawrence Katz and Michael Ehlers at Duke University. In December of 2010 Dr. Arenkiel joined the faculty of Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and holds adjunct positions in the Department of Neuroscience and the CNRC. Dr. Arenkiel grew up in north central Minnesota, where he enjoyed playing sports and spending time outdoors. His hobbies include gardening, fishing, and golfing. His lab is currently investigating how genes and activity interface to build, maintain, and remodel neuronal connections in the brain, as well as how basal forebrain circuits influence eating disorders and neuropsychiatric disease.