
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., Ph.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

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

John Alexander Jimenez-Garcia, Ph.D.
Mentor: Teresia O’Connor, M.D., M.P.H.
Project: Reciprocal Reinforcement as a Motivator for Behavior Change in Cardio-Metabolic Research in Hispanic families
Ph.D. Institution: Concordia University, Montreal Canada

Nana Jiao, Ph.D.
Mentor: Jennette Moreno, Ph.D.
Project: Energy Expenditure of Young Children's Sedentary Behaviors (Energy Screens)
Ph.D. Institution: Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona

Weisheng Lu
Mentor: Makoto Fukuda, Ph.D.
Project: Developing novel anti-obesity drugs based on active immunotherapy
Ph.D. Institution: China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China

Jieyi Meng, M.D., M.Sc.
Mentor: Yi Zhu, Ph.D.
Project: Genetic Engineering of Thermogenic Proteins to Enhance Energy Expenditure and Mitigate Obesity
Ph.D. Institution: Peking University

Julia Salamat
Mentor: Xia Gao, Ph.D.
Project: Investigating the potential of methionine restriction in overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance
Ph.D. Institution: Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

Megumi Seese
Mentor: Nancy Moran, Ph.D.
Project: The Effects of Pregnancy on Carotenoid Status across Pregnancy
Ph.D. Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Katelyn Senkus Ph.D.
Mentor: Nancy Moran, Ph.D.
Project: Biomarker validation for carotenoid intake in infants/toddlers and relationship with metabolic health
Ph.D. Institute: University of Alabama

Yuhan Shi
Mentor: Yong Xu, M.D., Ph.D.
Project: A nicotine-sensitive neural circuit regulates feeding and body weight
Ph.D. Institution: Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Ana West, Ph.D.
Mentor: Teresia O’Connor, M.D., M.P.H.
Mentor: Teresia O’Connor, M.D., M.P.H.
Project: Father and child physical activity
Ph.D. Institution: University of North Texas

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

Hong Zhou, Ph.D.
Mentor: Yi Zhu, Ph.D.
Project: Postprandial activation of hyaluronan-MARCO axis contributes to systemic chronic inflammation
Ph.D. Institution: Huazhong University of Science and Technology