
Xi Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
Mentor: Yi Zhu, Ph.D.
Project: The role of Connexin43 in adipose tissue metabolism
M.D., Ph.D. Institution: M.D.-Ph.D. from Central South University

Xiaomin Chen, Ph.D.
Mentor: Lanlan Shen, M.D.
Project: Developing novel locus-specific tools to modify the DNA methylome
Ph.D. Institution: Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Heba El Ayash, M.D.
Mentor: Fida Bacha, M.D.
Project: Incretins and Vascular Health in Youth
M.D. Institution: American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Sarah Elefson, Ph.D.
Mentor: Douglas Burrin, Ph.D.
Project title: Regulatory control points in the farnesoid X receptor-fibroblast growth factor 19 axis
Ph.D. institution: Iowa State University

Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project statement: A novel brain region, PeFAH, in controlling food intake
Ph.D. Institution: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University

Yang He, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Alzheimer's disease and metabolic syndrome
Ph.D. Institution: Zhejiang University, China

Isha Kaul, M.D.
Mentor: Robert J. Shulman, M.D. and Bruno Chumpitazi, M.D.
Project: Avoidant/Restrictive Eating in Children with Gastroparesis and
Functional Dyspepsia
M.D. Institution: University of Texas Medical Branch

Yongxiang Li, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Neural mechanisms for metabolic and behavioral regulation
Ph.D. Institution: South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China

Hailan Liu, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: The role of hypothalamic Grb10 in energy balance
Ph.D. Institution: Central South University, Changsha, China

Hesong Liu, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Impaired 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2CR)-mediated neurotransmission contributes to the obesity-induced exacerbation of AD pathophysiology and selective 5-HT2CR agonists can be used to treat AD.
Ph.D. Institution: University of Houston

Kristine Marie McDermott, B.D., M.S., Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Serotonergic regulation of feeding behavior and metabolism
Ph.D. Institution: Rutgers University

Robert Peery, Ph.D.
Mentor: Lanlan Shen, M.D.
Project: The Gut Microbiome and the Early Environmental Influences on Intestinal Stem Cell Epigenetics
Ph.D. Institution: Indiana University School of Medicine

Hormat Shadgou Rhein, Ph.D.
Mentor: Kendal Hirschi, Ph.D.
Project: Genetic Analyses of Plant Anoxia Tolerance
Ph.D. Institution: New Mexico State University

Maryam Tabatabaei Ph.D.
Mentor: Xia Gao, Ph.D.
Project: Define dietary methionine restriction (MR) impact on tumor microenvironmental nutrient background
Ph.D. Institution: University of Toronto Scarborough

Longlong 'Lucas' Tu, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Ano4 mediates responsiveness of GI neurons to glycemic fluctuations in multiple brain regions
Ph.D Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China

Mengie 'Emma' Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: Perineuronal nets and neuroendocrine functions
Ph.D. Institution: University of Toledo College of Medicine

Weilan Wang
Mentor: Xia Gao, Ph.D.
Project statement: Interactions between host and gut microbiome in disease
Ph.D. Institution: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Li Yang, Ph.D.
Mentor: Lanlan Shen, M.D.
Project: p16 Epimutation: Function in Tumorigenesis and A Target for Cancer Therapy
Ph.D. Institution: Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Meng Yu, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: E2-sensitive ERαvlVMH neurons detect nutritional/glycemic fluctuations, and recruit multiple downstream neural circuits to maintain energy and glucose homeostasis
Ph.D. Institution: Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Sloane Zimmerman, M.D.
Mentors: Jayna Markand Dave, Ph.D. and Robert J Shulman, M.D.
Project: Integrating Food Rx with Best Feeding Practices for Chronic Disease Prevention among EFNEP Participants
Ph.D. Institution: M.D. Institution - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences