Education and training
| Credential | Institution |
|---|---|
| BS, Biochemistry / Chemistry | The University of California, San Diego |
| PhD, Biomedical Science | University of Tennessee Health Science Center and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital |
| Postdoctoral fellowship, Nutritional Biochemistry | Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, working under Dr. Bruce Ames |
| Aging research | Salk Institute for Biological Studies |
Research areas
Her research spans mitochondrial metabolism, apoptosis, and cancer biology; micronutrient status including vitamin D and omega-3/DHA; nutrigenomics; hormesis through sauna, cold exposure, and phytochemicals; aging and neurodegeneration; and the impact of nutrition on brain function.
Graduate work
She found that MCL-1, a protein essential for cell survival, exists in two separate mitochondrial locations with distinct functions, connecting its anti-apoptotic activity to a novel role in mitochondrial respiration and maintaining mitochondrial structure.
Postdoctoral work
Investigating how micronutrients influence metabolism and inflammation, the role of vitamin D in brain function, and insulin signaling in protein misfolding related to neurodegenerative conditions.
Selected publications
- MCL-1's involvement in mitochondrial architecture and cancer biology Nature Cell Biology (2012); review in Trends in Cell Biology
- Vitamin D hormone regulates the synthesis of serotonin FASEB Journal two-part series (2014-2015)
- The function of phosphatidylcholine-DHA in preventing Alzheimer's disease FASEB Journal
- Proteotoxicity and aging, Science
- Additional work in Blood and Molecular and Cellular Biology
Media and platform
Through FoundMyFitness, which includes a website, a podcast launched in 2015, and a YouTube channel, she educates millions on evidence-based topics in nutrition, aging, and disease prevention. She also hosts The Aliquot, a premium podcast for members with monthly live Q&A sessions.
