Celebrating Undergraduate Research in Nutrition at UC Davis

The Department of Nutrition is a proud supporter of undergraduate student research. This year at the Undergraduate Research Conference, held April 24–25, fifteen students associated with the Department showcased their work. Their research experiences are made possible by dedicated faculty mentors who sponsor undergraduates in their lab, fostering scientific curiosity and creating meaningful opportunities for both academic and professional growth.

This year, projects spanned a wide range of topics including food fortification, vitamin deficiency, precision nutrition, nutrition for disease prevention and more.

To explore these projects in more detail, please refer to the 2026 Conference Abstract Book.

Featured Work from Undergraduate Researchers

Evaluation of dietary switch interventions in obesity-induced hepatic steatosis in mice 

Ananya Narke, Nutrition Science
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Gerardo Mackenzie

This study examined whether dietary changes could reverse obesity-induced hepatic steatosis in mice by comparing continuous high-fat diet, control diet, and a diet-switch group. Results showed that switching from a high-fat to a control diet did not affect liver fat accumulation and disease severity scores, suggesting that dietary intervention does not reverse liver damage associated with obesity. We are looking into more methods to make our results more accurate and improve them, like measuring fibrosis and increasing the intervention time.

Pharmacological Inhibition of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases as a Potential Novel Therapeutic Intervention for Diabetic Kidney Disease

 

Ayaka Sonehara, Nutrition Science
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Fawaz Haj

This study investigated whether inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP1B, TCPTP, and SHP2) could improve podocyte function as a potential treatment strategy for diabetic kidney disease. Results showed that PTP inhibition altered insulin signaling and reduced podocyte motility in cell models, with ongoing animal studies examining their effects in diabetic kidney disease progression.

Evaluating Factors Associated with Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Ghanaian Children Aged 2-5 Years

 

Carol Georgies, Clinical Nutrition
Sponsor: Dr. Reina Engle-Stone

This study analyzed factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in 2–5-year-old children in northern Ghana using data from the CoMIT trial. Findings showed that better vitamin B12 status was linked to higher household wealth, urban residence, and maternal education, while overall deficiency was influenced by both child and household characteristics.

Evaluating Lactoferrin Supplementation on Intestinal Development in Early Life Using a Lactoferrin Knock-out Mouse Model

 

Esther Louie, Nutrition Science
Faculty Sponsor: Rulan Jiang

This study examined whether oral supplementation with bovine or recombinant lactoferrin influences intestinal development in infant mice. Results showed no significant differences in colon health markers, suggesting that lactoferrin supplementation may not impact intestinal development in healthy mouse pups.

Validating an Innovative AI Dietary App at UC Davis: Lessons and Future Directions

 

Nicole Omori, Clinical Nutrition
Maggie Peña, Molecular and Medical Microbiology 
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Lauren Au

This study evaluated the accuracy and feasibility of the PlantVillage Food AI tool compared to traditional weighed food records for assessing dietary intake among college-aged students. Findings aim to support improved methods for monitoring adolescent nutrition in school settings and inform early interventions to address obesity and related health risks.

Evaluating Sodium Levels in Chips and Prepackaged Sandwiches at Two UC Davis Campus Markets 

 

Qilin Guan, Clinical Nutrition
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Lauren Au

This study evaluated sodium levels in chips and prepackaged sandwiches at two UC Davis campus markets (Silo and Memorial Union) and compared them to Healthy UC Davis Nourish Guidelines. Findings showed that most chips, at both locations, met sodium recommendations, but many sandwiches exceeded limits, especially at the MU Market, indicating differences in healthier options between locations and product types.

An in Vitro Model to Evaluate the Capacity of Phthalates to Promote an Acute Phase Response

 

Shayla Nguyen, Biochemistry, Minor in Environmental Toxicology 
Faculty Sponsors: Drs. Eleonora Cremonini and Patricia Oteiza

This study examined how exposure to phthalates, specifically DEHP through its metabolite MEHP, affects zinc availability and fetal development by triggering an acute phase response (APR) in vitro. Results show that MEHP causes an APR through the production of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 triggering ERK/STAT3 production, adding on to evidence found in previous studies that an increase in IL-6 levels were associated with an APR in rat dams.

Additional Student Research Presentations

• Effects of Dihydroartemisinin on PANC-1Pancreatic Cancer Cell Viability by Tiffany Henry
• Engagement in an Online Food Literacy Program for College Students by Mary Fanslau
• Evaluating Sodium Levels in Chips and Prepackaged Sandwiches at Two UC Davis Campus Markets by Tiffany Henry
• Folic Acid Addition to Corn Masa Products inNorthern California Under Voluntary Fortification Policy by Brandon Hoang
• Impact of Lactoferrin Deficiency and Supplementation on theMicrobiome in Infant Mice by Riley Savage
• Investigation of Oral Lactoferrin Intake on the Gut Microbiome andIntestinal Barrier in Neonatal Mice by Jiamin Chen
• Invisible Barriers: How Systemic and Cultural Divides ShapeUndergraduate Research by Maya Patel
• Preserving More Than Food: Cultural Representation and NutritionEmphasis in Home Food Preservation Recipe by Bhavanashree Vishwanath
• RP-001 Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation with PotencyComparable to Gemcitabine and Abraxane by Lucia Ortiz Calva