University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Degree: B. S. A., 1997
Major: Animal Sciences

University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
Degree: PhD. in Nutritional Sciences, 2002

Dietary Compounds Suppress Cancer Development and Growth. Our research focuses on the ability of diet to influence the initiation and progression of several forms of cancer. Diet is thought to play a role in a large number of malignancy types. For instance, diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a reduced risk of development of colon and breast cancer. Of interest in our laboratory is how dietary components may act as ligands of nuclear receptors in cancer cells. Recently, we have demonstrated that individual fatty acids activate peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARy) in colon cancer cells. PPARy has been associated with suppression of colon tumor cell growth. We hypothesize that in part omega-3 fatty acids may utilize PPARy as a molecular target to elicit their physiological responses in colon cancer cells.

Estrogen as a Chemo-preventative Agent of Colon Cancer. We are also interested in the role of estrogen receptor beta (ERß) in colon cancer development and growth. A clear correlation has been established between increased estrogen exposure and a decreased risk of colon tumor formation. We are interested in elucidating whether ERß modulates the protective effects of estrogen in colon cells. Also, we are exploring the physiological actions of compounds in the diet that exhibit estrogen-like responses and exploring the ability of these compounds to function through the estrogen receptor.

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Assistant Professor: Department of Nutrition and Food Science 2006-Present


University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Postdoctoral Fellow: Department of Molecular and Biomedical Pharmacology, College of Medicine 2002-2006
Research emphasis is in the role of PPARy in cancers of the breast, colon, and lung.


University of Illinois, Urbana, IL

Graduate Student: Division of Nutritional Sciences 1997-2002
Research emphasis was in the general area of food safety and toxicology as they relate to cancer formation and growth. Specifically, my research evaluated the effects of dietary compounds on the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancers.


University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Research Aid: Dr. Mark Froetschel; Department of Animal Sciences 1994-97
Studied gut signals promoting decreased feed intake

Research Aid: Dr. Gary Hausman; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition 1995-1997
Studied hormonal control of fat deposition in neonatal pigs

University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Seminar Coordinator: Reproductive Sciences Forum 2004-2005 academic year
Invited and scheduled seminar speakers.

Guest Lecturer: IBS 602 Biomolecules and Molecular Biology 2003 and 2004
Conducted small discussion group session


University of Illinois, Urbana, IL

Teaching Assistant:
Principles in Nutrition (FSHN 220) 2001
Developed current topics in nutrition for newly added discussion sections, coordinated other discussion leaders, and led discussion section.
Contemporary Nutrition (FSHN 120) 1999 and 2000
Prepared and gave lectures, wrote examination questions, and interacted with students to answer questions.