2025 Annual Report

The Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, IHA, has made significant strides in advancing scientific discovery. Our members push the boundaries of precision nutrition, responsive agriculture and healthy living, publishing groundbreaking studies and forging new collaborations.

Discover the IHA’s research impact through member innovations and key findings. We celebrate the dedication and curiosity that drive our mission forward.

IHA mission:

The IHA exists to optimize health for current and future generations through innovative research connecting agriculture, food systems and nutrition.

The IHA achieves its mission through three synergistic focus areas:

Grants awarded:

In 2025, the IHA leadership team secured $14.4 MILLION in grants to support the following projects:

• An integrated approach to using Precision Nutrition, Responsive Agriculture and Healthy Living behavioral research to reduce diet-related chronic disease
  • PI: Teresa Davis, Ph.D., D.F.A.S.N., F.A.S.A.S.
  • Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service
    
    
• Deep in the Heart: A community-engaged intervention study to catalyze a culture of health in rural South Texas; Read more at AgriLife Today
  • PI: Rebecca Seguin-Fowler, Ph.D., R.D.N., L.D., C.S.C.S.
  • Sponsor: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
    
    
• StrongPeople Strong Hearts digital: An Extension-delivered, mobile app-based cardiovascular disease prevention program for at-risk women; Read more at AgriLife Today
  • PI: Chad Rethorst, Ph.D.
  • Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food And Agriculture
    
    
• Resilient production of food ingredients and agrochemicals from cactus (Opuntia spp.): Strengthening domestic supply chains and rural economies
  • PI: Susanne Talcott, Ph.D., Texas A&M Department of Food Science and Technology
  • IHA Investigator: Marco Palma, Ph.D.
    
    
• Integrating community nutrition with improved pregnancy outcomes
  • PI: Rebecca Seguin-Fowler, Ph.D., R.D.N., L.D., C.S.C.S.
  • Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service
    
    
• Regulation of neonatal muscle protein synthesis
  • PI: Teresa Davis, Ph.D., D.F.A.S.N., F.A.S.A.S.
  • Sponsor: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-National Institutes of Health-Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
    
    
• The Produce Prescription for Healthy Blood Pressure Program: Managing hypertension and improving food security in urban communities in Texas
  • PI: Lexi MacMillan Uribe, Ph.D., R.D.N.
  • Sponsor: Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, Texas Health Resources
    
    
• Testing implementation strategies for evidence-based physical activity and nutrition education for preschoolers in SAGE
  • PI: Jacob Szeszulski, Ph.D.
  • Sponsor: Arizona State University, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-National Institutes of Health-Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
    
    
• Healthy School recognized campus: A hybrid type two implementation-effectiveness trial
  • PI: Jacob Szeszulski, Ph.D.
  • Sponsor: American Heart Association
    
    
• Adapting physical activity and healthy eating evidence-based programs to improve cardiovascular health among children
  • PI: Jacob Szeszulski, Ph.D.
  • Sponsor: American Heart Association
    
    
• The USDA Nutrition Hub at Texas A&M: Healthy Communities and Nutrition Security for All
  • PI: Rebecca Seguin-Fowler, Ph.D., R.D.N., L.D., C.S.C.S.
  • Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture
    

Events, awards and highlights:

Select highlights of grant awards, inductions, strategic happenings and other events from the past year:

• National Academy induction – Teresa Davis, Ph.D., director of the IHA, was inducted into the National Academy of Medicine, following her 2024 election to the prestigious society.
  
  
• American Society for Nutrition award – The American Society for Nutrition recently debuted the Teresa A. Davis Award in Growth and Protein Nutrition award, honoring Teresa Davis, Ph.D., for her national leadership and service in nutrition science.
  
  
• Board of Regents presentation – Teresa Davis, Ph.D., was honored by an invitation to present to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on the high-impact research underway at the IHA. Davis’ presentation illustrated how the IHA collaborates with different organizations under the Texas legislature, U.S. Congress and the Texas A&M University System umbrella to bring this critical research to the people of Texas.
  
  
• National Academies workshop – Marco Palma, Ph.D., interim associate director for Responsive Agriculture and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, served on the planning committee for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to organize “The Role of Science, Technology and Communication in Advancing Healthful Foods and Diets: A Workshop,” which explored how existing and emerging science, technology, policy and innovation could be applied toward making foods and diets more healthful.
  
  
• Expansion of leadership team – Yuxiang Sun, Ph.D., M.D., and Penny Riggs, Ph.D., have been appointed to the IHA leadership team. Sun, professor in the Texas A&M Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Faculty Fellow and 2025 Chancellor Enhancing Development and Generating Excellence in Scholarship, EDGES, Fellow, was named interim associate director for Precision Nutrition. Riggs, associate professor in the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science, was appointed senior advisor of strategy and engagement.
  
  
• Regents Professor title – Marco Palma, Ph.D., was presented with the Regents Professor title in honor of his work as a pioneering agricultural economist and behavioral scientist known for groundbreaking, multidisciplinary innovations that deepen understanding of human food choices and agricultural production decisions.
  
  
• Dean’s outstanding achievement awards – At College Connect, a celebration of the Dean’s outstanding achievement awards hosted by the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Rebecca Seguin-Fowler, Ph.D., R.D.N., L.D., C.S.C.S., IHA associate director for Healthy Living, received the Faculty Mentoring award for outstanding achievement in service, and Marco Palma, Ph.D., was awarded the Dean’s Outstanding Achievement Award for Research.
  
  
• Association of Former Students award – Yuxiang Sun, Ph.D., M.D., was honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award, presented by The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M University. This is among the most prestigious awards presented to faculty and staff members at Texas A&M.
  
  
• Workshop with National Dairy Council – Led by Marco Palma, Ph.D., and his team in Responsive Agriculture, IHA co-designed and hosted a collaborative workshop with the National Dairy Council, bringing together researchers, behavioral scientists and industry partners to explore how people make food choices in real-world retail environments.
  
  
• American Association for the Advancement of Science forum – At the American Association for the Advancement of Science forum, Penny Riggs, Ph.D., and Teresa Davis, Ph.D., hosted a symposium titled “Meeting growing nutritional needs through advanced technology and evidence-supported policies.”
  
  
• American Society of Animal Science symposium – During the 2025 Perinatal Biology Symposium, presented by the American Society of Animal Science, Teresa Davis, Ph.D., gave the keynote address, “The Impact of Prematurity on the Nutritional Regulation of Growth.”
  
  
• Impact seminar – Alexandra MacMillan Uribe, Ph.D., and Jacob Szeszulski, Ph.D., faculty scientists at the IHA and assistant professors in the Texas A&M Department of Nutrition, were selected for the second annual IMPACT, an exclusive half-day event focused on outstanding scholarship and professional networking for rising faculty who demonstrated excellence and impact and positioning them for the highest levels of recognition within their disciplines.

LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Teresa Davis, Ph.D., D.F.A.S.N., F.A.S.A.S.
Director

In 2025, Davis and her lab expanded the IHA’s capacity and built new working collaborations to promote the mission of the IHA. With high-impact research, Davis secured over $10 million in grant funding, served on key committees for the National Academies, gave keynote and other invited talks in the United States and abroad, and published new research with her lab in leading journals.

• Secured a key grant from USDA-ARS, titled “An Integrated Approach to Using Precision Nutrition, Responsive Agriculture and Behavioral Research to Reduce Diet-Related Chronic Disease,” which will span into 2028.
• Served as a member of the Committee on Protein Quality and Growth Monitoring Studies to Satisfy Quality Factor Requirements for Infant Formula for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
• Acted as a technical expert panel member evaluating Daily Dietary Protein Intake Requirement Over the Life Course, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the Dietary Reference Intakes sub-committee of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

Read Davis’ 2025 publications.

Rebecca Seguin-Fowler, Ph.D., R.D.N., L.D., C.S.C.S.
Associate director for Healthy Living

In 2025, Seguin-Fowler and the Healthy Living team led 24 unique projects. These projects included partnerships with over 92 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, academic and civic/community organizations, and they have recruited over 5,300 study participants.

Additional 2025 highlights from Seguin-Fowler and the Healthy Living team:

• 25 trainees, including five postdoctoral fellows, seven graduate students (master’s and doctorate), four medical students and nine undergraduate students including eight dietetic interns.
• A total of $23.9+ million in funding across the Healthy Living faculty members.
• 50 new national and international scientific presentations and 25 peer-reviewed manuscripts published.

Read Seguin-Fowler’s 2025 publications.

Marco Palma, Ph.D.
Interim associate director for Responsive Agriculture

Palma and the Responsive Agriculture team led research projects and secured grants, as well as supported conferences and other events in 2025, including:

• Served on the panel discussing the role of funding in academic and scientific progress for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. 
• Appeared as a guest speaker at the Graze On Over webinar hosted by the National Grazing Lands Coalition.
• Served on the planning committee for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s workshop, “The Role of Science, Technology and Communication in Advancing Healthful Food and Diets.”
• Led capacity-building, tours and trainings for the IHA and the Human Behavior Laboratory.
• Served as a sponsor for the 12th annual Texas A&M Plant Breeding Symposium.
• Select 2025 projects include:
  • The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Cucurbit Coordinated Agricultural Project: Building Genomic, Breeding and Disease Management Tools for Cucurbit Crops
  • Labor, Efficiency, Automation and Production: Nursery Crops Toward Sustainability
  • Resilient Production of Food Ingredients and Agrochemicals from Cactus (Opuntia spp.): Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains and Rural Economies

Read Palma’s 2025 publications.

Yuxiang Sun, Ph.D., M.D.
Interim associate director for Precision Nutrition

Sun was appointed interim associate director for Precision Nutrition in January 2026. Some of her recent accomplishments and awards include:

• In May 2025, Sun was honored as a 2025 Chancellor Enhancing Development and Generating Excellence in Scholarship, EDGES, Fellow. The prestigious EDGES Fellowships recognize rising mid-career faculty at the associate or early full professor level, achieving national and international acclaim.
• Sun and her team were awarded a pilot grant through Texas A&M Health’s Demetia and Alzheimer’s Research Initiative, DARI. The title of the preproposal her team submitted was “Nutrient-Sensing GHSR Mediates Transgenerational Neurotoxicity of Environmental Toxicant BPA to Promote Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s Disease.” It was one of only 10 preproposals awarded out of the over 100 received by the DARI program.

Penny Riggs, Ph.D.
Senior advisor of strategy and engagement

Riggs was appointed senior advisor of strategy and engagement in January 2026. Some of her recent invited talks and publications include:

• At the 49th American Association for the Advancement of Science Forum on Science and Technology Policy, Riggs served as an invited session organizer and presented the talk, “Meeting growing nutritional needs through advanced technology and evidence-supported policies.”
• Riggs and other co-authors published “Heritable Genetic Modification in Food Animals: A Consensus Study Report” through the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

Research impact:

Over the past year, the IHA has made significant strides in advancing scientific discovery. Our associate members have pushed the boundaries of precision nutrition, responsive agriculture and healthy living, publishing groundbreaking studies and forging new collaborations through work that has strengthened the IHA’s impact and set the stage for even greater advancements. We celebrate the dedication and curiosity that drive our mission forward.

Research is listed alphabetically by last name.

Return on Investment Tool for SNAP-Ed
Katelin Alfaro Hudak, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso and Texas A&M Department of Nutrition

This project evaluated the return on investment of Better Living for Texans, the largest SNAP-Ed program in Texas, by analyzing how program-induced changes in diet-related behaviors translate into economic benefits. The research focused on low-income, racially and ethnically diverse populations and sought to determine the economic value of SNAP-Ed, which is particularly salient in light of recent federal funding cuts. Results show that participation in SNAP-Ed was associated with improved dietary behaviors and physical activity, leading to significant economic benefits that outweighed administrative and implementation costs, suggesting SNAP-Ed is a cost-beneficial public health investment.

The Role of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in Improving Healthy Eating Index Scores and Food Security Status for Low-Income Households in Selected Counties in Texas
Jenna Anding, Ph.D., professor and AgriLife Extension specialist, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition

The role of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, EFNEP, in improving Healthy Eating Index, HEI, scores and food security among low-income Texas households was studied through retrospective analysis. Given the known link between diet quality and chronic disease along with rates of poverty higher than the national average, this project aimed to evaluate how EFNEP participation affects diet quality, HEI scores and food security status. Early results indicate EFNEP participants experienced increased HEI scores and improved food security, particularly for those involved in food assistance programs, supporting the importance of EFNEP in addressing nutritional disparities.

Produce Prescription to Address Food Insecurity among PVAMU Students
Janet Antwi, B.Pharm., Ph.D., R.D., associate professor, Prairie View A&M University

The project at Prairie View A&M University implemented a produce prescription program targeting food insecurity and chronic disease risk among students. Waller County’s limited food access and high rates of food insecurity, especially among students, shaped the study’s goal to increase fruit and vegetable intake, improve diet and reduce food insecurity via community-engaged interventions. Findings show the program was feasible and well-received, yielding improved dietary quality, greater produce intake and increased nutrition knowledge, despite little change in food insecurity over the short study.

Interception Between Nutritional Content and Cultivar Performance: High Vitamin C Content in Spinach and Potato Enhances Abiotic Stress Tolerance, Post-Harvest Shelf-Life, Quality and Nutritional Content
Carlos Avila, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Weslaco

This research focused on breeding spinach and potato lines with higher vitamin C content to enhance nutritional value, stress tolerance and shelf life. Vitamin C is beneficial for both human health and plant resilience, but conventional breeding is limited by time-intensive analyses. Modern genomic prediction methods were applied to accelerate selection, achieving high prediction accuracy and identifying breeding lines with double the vitamin C content. Developed lines also showed improved plant performance under salt stress, reinforcing benefits for both consumers and producers.

Protection of Edible Fruit and Vegetable Microbiological Safety Within Production Systems by Preventing Human Pathogen Entry and Exit on Harvested Food Crops
Javad Barouei, Ph.D., associate professor, Prairie View A&M University

Barouei’s project investigated how foodborne pathogens, particularly E. coli, survive in manure-amended soils and transfer to produce like strawberries — a concern for small farms using raw manure. Field trials showed that E. coli can persist in soil several months post-application but was not detected on fruit. Chicken manure-amended soils harbored more viable E. coli than those amended with cow manure. These findings support the development of safer manure management practices to reduce food safety risks in fresh produce systems.

Safe and Sustainable Agriculture: Using Reclaimed Municipal Wastewater for Crop Irrigation and Managing Emerging Contaminants
Allen Berthold, Ph.D., associate director and chief of staff of the Texas Water Resources Institute

This project evaluated the safety and feasibility of using treated municipal wastewater for crop irrigation, addressing the potential for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, contamination. Background concerns are that PFAS is persistent in wastewater and currently unregulated. Early results revealed high variability in PFAS concentrations, with activated sludge posing the highest risk for PFAS transfer into the agricultural system. Modified biochars were highly effective in PFAS removal in lab tests, though practical and economic considerations remain for real-world application.

Precision Nutrition Using Non-Invasive Fecal Multi-Omic Biomarkers in Preterm Babies to Stratify Response to Diet
Robert Chapkin, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor, University Faculty Fellow in the Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Chapkin’s study aimed to develop non-invasive fecal RNA-based biomarkers to optimize nutrition and monitor gut development in very preterm infants. The major challenge is the lack of access to intestinal tissue for research. The team successfully collected and processed over 500 stool samples using novel RNAseq techniques, identifying thousands of genes per sample and initiating machine learning analyses for diet-health outcome predictions. Preliminary results demonstrate feasibility and potential for evidence-based recommendations in neonatal nutrition.

Development of Coffee Extracts as Nutraceuticals: Molecular Mechanism-Based Studies
Robert Chapkin, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor, University Faculty Fellow in the Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

This research examined the molecular mechanisms behind the health benefits of coffee by studying its bioactive compounds, focusing on their roles as ligands for the NR4A1 receptor and impacts on neural and immune function. Coffee extracts improved spatial learning and cognitive tasks, linking these improvements to specific polyphenols and regulatory pathways. This work supports the development of coffee-based nutraceuticals for enhanced health and well-being.

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals that human milk feeding shapes neonatal immune cell interleukin signaling pathways in a nonrandomized clinical trial
Robert Chapkin, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor, University Faculty Fellow in the Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

This research determined how exclusive human milk versus formula feeding alters immune cell composition and transcriptional activity at single-cell resolution in early infancy. Human milk feeding was associated with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine transcriptional signatures across multiple immune cell lineages, whereas formula feeding promoted interleukin-driven activation pathways linked to allergic inflammation. These findings provide mechanistic insight into how human milk modulates neonatal immune development and disease susceptibility.

Developing Beef Products for People Suffering from Alpha Gal Syndrome
Karl Clark, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M Department of Animal Science and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Clark’s project tackles the problem of alpha-gal syndrome — an allergy that prevents affected individuals from safely eating red meat. Using precision gene editing, the project developed GGTA1 knockout cattle to create beef products free of the allergenic sugar molecule. Initial success was achieved with high-efficiency gene editing in primary fibroblasts, with ongoing efforts to refine methods to improve zygote efficiency, transfer edited zygotes to recipient animals and secure regulatory approval for these animals as a novel protein source.

Developing and Optimizing an Edible Clay-Based Platform as an Alternative to Antibiotics for Safeguarding Feed and Food Production
Youjun Deng, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

This interdisciplinary project explored the development of edible, clay-based platforms as alternatives to antibiotics for limiting antimicrobial resistance in animal agriculture. The platform can be fine-tuned to bind and disarm various biological toxins and pathogens in food systems. Initial results demonstrated that natural and modified clays can adsorb fungal toxins, aflatoxins and bacterial toxins, alpha toxin and netB toxin, suppress the growth of the pathogens: Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella choleraesuis and E.coli; lower the gene expression of these toxins in the pathogen cultures. Adding clays in feed lowers liver damage markers of aflatoxicosis and biomarkers of necrotic enteritis and support a healthier gut mycobiome in poultry models, paving the way for eco-friendly pathogen control methods.

Enhancing the Understanding of U.S. Meat Goat Markets: An Economic Analysis
Sunil Dhoubhadel, Ph.D., associate professor, Prairie View A&M University

Dhoubhadel’s study explored U.S. meat goat markets, analyzing price determinants at auctions, consumer preferences and willingness to pay for goat meat when provided with health and sustainability information. Goat meat, known for health benefits, remains underutilized in the U.S. market. Results highlight major factors driving meat goat prices and show that emphasizing goat meat’s health benefits can increase its market share significantly, supporting strategies for economic growth and improved protein diversity.

Impact of Human Milk Oligosaccharides on Infant Gut Health
Sharon Donovan, Ph.D., Hagler Fellow at Texas A&M University and Professor and Melissa M. Noel Endowed Chair in Nutrition and Health, University of Illinois Department of Nutritional Sciences

The project assessed the impact of human milk oligosaccharides, HMOs, and the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis on infant immune development and gut health. Using both laboratory models and samples from human infants, the study found that HMOs and B. infantis independently affect immune cell populations and gene expression, shaping immune responses tied to allergic inflammation and infection risk. The findings emphasize the complex interplay among diet, microbiome and immune development in early life.

Evaluation of Microplastics in the Muscle, Intestine and Reproductive Tissues of Major Food Animal Species
George Elane, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Elane’s project quantified microplastics in the muscles, intestines and reproductive tissues of U.S. food animal species, given rising concern about microplastics in the food supply. Samples from pigs and cattle revealed the presence of polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics in both companion and production animals, with no significant difference observed between production and companion animals. This research paves the way for further studies on microplastics movement and potential health risks in livestock and humans.

A Systems-Level Approach to Understanding Nutrient-Microbiome Interactions
Sylvie Estrela, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Estrela’s research investigates how specific dietary nutrients drive changes in the gut microbiome’s composition and metabolism using high-throughput in vitro experiments and ecological modeling. The project aims to build mechanistic, predictive frameworks to understand and influence nutrient-microbiome interactions for better health outcomes. The past year focused on setting up the new lab and infrastructure; upcoming data will provide foundational insights for precision nutrition strategies targeting gut health.

Plants, Nature and Health Initiative, PNHI
Charlie Hall, Ph.D., professor and Ellison Chair, Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

PNHI studies how interaction with plants and green spaces supports physical, mental and social well-being, moving horticulture from simple food production toward preventive health. Translational research includes nature prescriptions, VR nature therapy and evaluation of agriculturally-integrated suburban neighborhoods. During the past year, key projects expanded clinical, campus and community adoption, boosted green-space activity and led to new cross-disciplinary collaborations, all advancing the concept of horticulture as prevention.

Using Metabolomics to Explore Mechanisms Mediating Caloric Restriction Impacts on Healthy Aging
Waylon J. Hastings, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Hastings uses metabolomics to unravel how caloric restriction impacts aging and health, with a focus on developing robust, individualized measures of metabolic security to improve dietary interventions. Work spans eleven large epidemiological cohorts, integrating metabolomic and clinical data from over 40,000 participants. The project has made significant progress in data aggregation and has completed early analyses, setting the stage for new diagnostic tools in precision nutrition and healthy aging.

Understanding Influences on Emerging Adult Nutrition in the U.S.
Julie Hess, Ph.D., research nutritionist, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service

Our team’s multidisciplinary project analyzes diet quality and explores a range of sociodemographic factors that may affect food-related behaviors among emerging adults ages 18–24. Previous analyses our group has conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reveal that this age group has the lowest diet quality of any U.S. subpopulation, highlighting a stark need for targeted public health interventions. The National Study of Young Adult Nutrition investigated predictors of diet quality among emerging adults. Analysis of this dataset is ongoing, and preliminary results were presented at the National Nutrient Databank Conference in April and will also be presented at the Nutrition conference in July. Upcoming publications will provide further insights and recommendations for improving young adult nutrition.

Genomics-Based Improvement of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content in Farmed Oysters
Christopher Hollenbeck, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Hollenbeck is working to enhance the nutritional quality of farmed oysters by improving their omega-3 fatty acid content through selective breeding and genomic tools. Oysters are a sustainable source of omega-3s, but optimization through breeding was previously unexplored. Early efforts have successfully spawned and analyzed new breeding cohorts, collecting extensive phenotype and genotype data. This will enable long-term improvements in the nutritional value of aquaculture products.

Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Homeostasis in Skeletal Health and Repair with Focus on Obesity and T2D
Srividhya Iyer, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition

Iyer’s study investigates endoplasmic reticulum health that affects bone health and repair. Using lab models and genetics, the team discovered that endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor IRE1 stimulates bone formation. Recent studies in Iyer’s lab suggest that altered endoplasmic reticulum stress responses may contribute to poor bone health and repair associated with obesity. Discovering nutritional strategies to reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress could help prevent skeletal fragility associated with obesity and diabetes.

Biofortification of High-Value Vegetables with Zinc and Iron in Calcareous Soils in South Texas
John Jifon, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Jifon and colleagues Peter Omara, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension soil specialist, and Manuel Garcia, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agricultural economist, are addressing the issue of mineral nutrient deficiencies, commonly referred to as hidden hunger, in common foods through biofortification during production, focusing on high-value specialty crops like kale grown in calcareous soils. By implementing foliar fertilization with zinc and iron, their study found a significant increase in zinc content, while iron enhancement proved more complicated. Consumer surveys indicated a willingness to pay more for nutritionally enhanced foods, but familiarity with biofortification remains low, highlighting the need for targeted awareness campaigns to boost acceptance.

Capitalizing on Spinach Folates: Underlying Genetics and Breeding Potential for Improved Nutrition
Vijay Joshi, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Joshi’s program is leveraging natural genetic diversity in spinach to develop varieties with higher levels of nutritionally important folate forms. Using targeted folate profiling, untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomic analyses, the team identified spinach lines with strong folate variation and found that high-folate genotypes maintain largely stable broader metabolite pools, suggesting buffered folate metabolism. Candidate genes linked to folate biosynthesis, transport and one-carbon–related photorespiratory processes provide initial genetic leads for breeding. Yeast-based bioavailability/complementation assays further supported that spinach folates are biologically active and available for utilization. Together, these results support the rapid development of spinach cultivars with improved folate nutrition and strong potential for precision breeding and value-added crop innovation.

Leveraging Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence for Hispanic Restaurant Nutritional Labeling
Brian King, Ph.D., head, Texas A&M Arch H. Aplin III ’80 Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, with Co-PI Grace Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

King’s multi-department and multi-college research team has developed an augmented reality and artificial intelligence app that delivers personalized menu nutrition labeling in Hispanic restaurants and aims to both bridge nutrition literacy gaps and to support healthier eating amongst a demographic which is growing rapidly in Texas. The initial findings from investigations conducted at two local restaurants are signaling that Hispanic consumers prefer trustworthy advice from social networks and cultural sources. This reinforces the critical role for social context in shaping the adoption of technologies. The app is showing considerable promise for community health impact. The researchers have progressed a protocol that is bringing more consistency to app development. To extend scholarly debate the findings have been published in the journal Nutrients with further dissemination in progress.

Reducing Sodium Nitrite Dependence in Processed Meats with Monascus Fermentation Solutions
Seockmo Ku, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Food Science and Technology and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Ku’s project targets the replacement of sodium nitrite and insect-derived colorants used to give processed meats their red color, which many consumers view unfavorably. His team produces natural red pigments using  food grade fungal, Monascus, fermentation and applies them directly to meat products as a clean-label alternative. The Ku group has also developed non-GMO fermentation conditions enabling world-leading production levels of these pigments.

Establishing a Connection Between Parkinson’s Disease and Nutrition
Dmitry Kurouski, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Department of Biomedical Engineering and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Kurouski’s project explores how nutrition shapes risks for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, aiming to establish noninvasive monitoring using Raman spectroscopy and develop nanomaterial-based therapies. Lab studies revealed that high-fat ketogenic diets can hasten Parkinson’s onset, and Raman spectroscopy accurately tracked body composition and nutritional effects. Furthermore, novel nanoflower therapeutics show neuroprotective effects in preclinical models, potentially offering new interventions.

Nutrition Literacy, Food Skills and Food Security as Determinants of Dietary Behaviors Among Emerging Adults in East-Central Texas
Grace Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Lee’s research examines nutrition literacy, food skills and food security among emerging adults in east-central Texas, noting that this age group faces unique dietary and health challenges, including high rates of poor diet and low vegetable intake. Survey results show ties between planning skills, cooking confidence, food security and better diet quality. The findings support targeting skill-building and digital interventions for early prevention of chronic disease.

ShaRE: Shared Robotic Ecosystem for Smart and Collaborative Agriculture
Kiju Lee, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution

Lee’s project develops a Shared Robotic Ecosystem, ShaRE, making precision robotic farming more accessible to farmers. The effort integrates robotic autonomy, cloud connectivity and economic feasibility analysis, with early work including system design and stakeholder needs surveys. Results point to reduced adoption barriers and health risks for producers, supporting more productive and sustainable agricultural operations.

Got Milk!: Using Randomized Control Trials to Investigate the Influence of Educational Labeling on Parents’ Decisions to Purchase Milk Products
Holli Leggette, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Leggette’s Got Milk! project uses randomized control trials to study how educational labeling and point-of-sale messaging affect parents’ and general consumers’ intention to purchase dairy and plant-based milk products. Results show information treatment impacts purchasing intentions, with nutrition-focused labels having the greatest effect. Findings are intended to help producers and retailers make informed decisions to support consumer health and industry sustainability.

Prediction of Microbiota-Dependent Effects of Fine-Scale Food Composition on Human Health Using Big Data and AI/ML Approaches
Danielle Lemay, Ph.D., research scientist, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service

Lemay’s team developed methods to link dietary intake data with gut microbiome genes, mapping polyphenol features to gastrointestinal health in adults. Their approach enabled the identification of key food compounds associated with health outcomes, supporting molecular breeding of crops for improved health benefits. Studies also uncovered links between dietary polyphenol intake and both inflammation and polyphenol-utilizing bacteria.

Enhancing Nutritional Security through Hydroponics and Community Education
Daniel Leskovar, Ph.D., director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Uvalde; director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas; professor, Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences

This research focuses on optimizing hydroponic systems for growing vegetables with enhanced nutritional content to address food insecurity and promote health, particularly in underserved communities. The team ran comparative trials, fielded school outreach programs and partnered with local hydroponic growers, showing that certain system types and crop choices maximize nutrition and water-use efficiency. Community education is a key component of this effort.

Enhancing Human Health on the Texas High Plains with Sustainable and Resilient Cropping Systems that Mitigate Wind Erosion and Control Dust
Katie Lewis, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Lubbock, and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Lewis’s project monitors environmental and human health impacts of wind erosion in the Texas High Plains, a region still vulnerable to dust storms despite improvements since the Dust Bowl. By comparing traditional and regenerative agriculture sites, results show that soil texture is the main factor driving erosion, but regenerative practices can help reduce loss. Ongoing DNA analyses seek to link soil traits and fungal pathogens to health outcomes like Valley Fever.

Understanding the Effects of Nanoparticles on Bacteria and Fungi in Food for Responsive Agriculture and Better Health
Hong Liang, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering

Liang’s collaborative research investigates how nanoparticles – such as zinc oxide – can be used to combat bacterial and fungal contamination in food systems. Initial findings indicate that nanoparticles derived from mint and neem inhibited the growth of selected pathogens in laboratory testing. The project plans to expand to other systems like smart packaging aimed at enhancing food safety and shelf life.

Evaluating the Influence of the Community Café Culinary Program on Cardiovascular Health and Social Determinants of Health in Low-Income Young Adults
Alexandra MacMillan-Uribe, Ph.D., RDN, assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition; faculty scientist, IHA and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

MacMillan Uribe evaluates an innovative, community-based culinary apprenticeship program for low-income adults that combines paid culinary training with nutrition education, controlled environmental agriculture instruction, career support and health screenings. Participants completed physical and nutrition assessments to examine the program’s potential impact on heart health. At program entry, most participants had cardiovascular-related physiological measures within healthy rates, while many behavioral factors needed improvement, suggesting elevated risk for future cardiovascular problems if behaviors remain unchanged. 

A Naturalistic Study of Residents of an Agriculturally-Integrated Community
Jay Maddock, Ph.D., Regents Professor, Texas A&M School of Public Health

Maddock leads a naturalistic, longitudinal study of residents in agriculturally-integrated neighborhoods – communities built around urban farms aiming to encourage healthier living through better nutrition and increased physical activity. Initial findings in a comparison community highlight the importance of sense of community for stress reduction, while ongoing data from the agriculturally-integrated neighborhood will help determine the real-world impact of integrated agriculture and design features on wellness.

McCarl Group Activities: Research on GMOs, Climate and Agricultural Adaptation
Bruce McCarl, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor, Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

McCarl’s research covers the economic and policy impacts of technological and climate-driven changes in agriculture, including shifts in crop geography, land use and nutrient production. The group’s studies found that GMOs improve crop yields and resilience to climate change, while changes in CO2 levels have both beneficial and detrimental effects on yield trends, exemplified in rice. They also found that land use is evolving, with more production moving northward in North America, affecting food provenance and regional economies.

Nutrients/Food Components in National Dietary Surveillance
Alanna Moshfegh, Ph.D., research leader, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Moshfegh’s work reviews national nutrition surveillance data, WWEIA, NHANES, to identify which nutrients and food components should be prioritized for reporting and research. A scoping review of more than 2,200 scientific articles led to a published best-practice guideline, informing public health policy and regulatory standards by clarifying which dietary data are the most useful for understanding population nutrition and guiding interventions.

Promoting Food Security and Healthy Living During Disasters by Enhancing the Resiliency of Texas Food Systems
Rodolfo Nayga, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

The research team investigates the impact of natural disasters, especially hurricanes, on food insecurity and purchasing behavior in Texas. The research quantifies how disaster events transiently affect household food purchases, with findings showing that food assistance programs and food access help mitigate insecurity in the short term but long-term solutions are needed. Policy recommendations emphasize resilience in food systems and targeted support for vulnerable populations.

Developing Insect-Derived Protein Hydrolysates and Bioactive Peptides for Modulating Human Cancer Cells, Blood Pressure and Gut Microbial Communities
Reza Ovissipour, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Food Science and Technology and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Ovissipour demonstrates that protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides derived from black soldier fly larvae – a sustainable protein source – can modulate pathways related to chronic disease, such as oxidative stress, cancer cell growth and gut microbial metabolism. Simulated digestion and fermentation models showed that these peptides remain active through processing and digestion, which could lay the groundwork for health-promoting, functional foods.

Responsive Agriculture
Marco Palma, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics; director of the Human Behavior Laboratory; interim associate director for Responsive Agriculture, IHA

Palma’s program, Responsive Agriculture, supports science-based innovation to improve the nutrition, quality and sustainability of the food supply while emphasizing economic prosperity for producers. Over the last year, the group advanced research and outreach in consumer-informed food production, published widely and secured new funding and launched collaborations to connect breeding, production and economic resilience to consumer acceptance and health outcomes.

Delineate the Immunometabolic Effects and Mechanisms of Bitter Melon in Liver Diseases
Bhimanagouda Patil, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences; director, Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Patil, in collaboration with Yuxiang Sun, Ph.D., and Arul Jayaraman, Ph.D., is investigating bioactive compounds in bitter melon and their role in regulating immune and metabolic health, particularly in liver diseases. Studies show that specific triterpene glycosides reduce inflammation through ghrelin receptor signaling in immune cells, offering promise for preventing liver fibrosis and cancer. Ongoing work includes mechanistic studies in lab models and collaborations to explore the effects in other crops and disease contexts.

Advancing Health by Harnessing Energetic Electrons to Reduce Peanut Allergens
Suresh Pillai, Ph.D., professor and associate department head, Texas A&M Department of Food Science and Technology and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Pillai’s project applies electron beam, eBeam, technology to reduce the allergenicity of peanuts by altering the structure of Ara h1 and Ara h2 proteins, which are resistant to traditional processing methods. Lab studies demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in allergy-triggering protein binding, with eBeam-treated peanuts showing up to 99% reduced allergenicity in purified protein and matrix forms, while maintaining food quality. This method could pave the way for safer foods for individuals with peanut allergies.

Novel Inhibitors to Limit Folate Uptake Late in Life and Improve Healthspan; Dietary Folate Intake and Health Outcomes Late in Life
Michael Polymenis, Ph.D., professor and associate head for graduate programs, Texas A&M Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Polymenis’ team explored the role of dietary folate on healthspan and proposed that age- and genetics-specific folate intake, rather than blanket fortification, may promote optimal health. Using genetically diverse animals and synthetic inhibitors, one project found that late-life folate limitation could extend healthy lifespan, while another monitored the impacts on health and microbiome over time. The work suggests refined, precision-nutrition policies for different life stages.

Establishing a Regional Survey Panel to Explore Public Opinion on Advancing Health Through Agriculture – Greater Texas Community Panel
Beth Racine, Dr.P.H., R.D., professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service associate department head for Nutrition Extension; director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at El Paso

Racine’s Greater Texas Community Panel established a probability-based survey across diverse Texas counties to collect data on dietary behaviors, perceptions of farming practices, food environment and health outcomes. The initiative aims to overcome the limitations of traditional survey methods and provide high-quality, community-engaged data to inform IHA research and public programming. Initial infrastructure and partnerships were established, with the first surveys and manuscripts underway.

Development of a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention to Reduce Glucose Excursions Using Machine Learning
Chad Rethorst, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and faculty scientist, IHA and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Rethorst’s project has developed a machine learning-based just-in-time adaptive intervention to reduce glucose excursions in persons with overweight or obesity. Using continuous glucose monitoring alongside real-time behavioral data, the team built a predictive model to identify vulnerable moments for intervention. Early data confirm the system’s predictive accuracy, setting the stage for personalized, real-time dietary interventions to reduce chronic disease risk.

Applied Specialty Sorghum Breeding
William Rooney, Ph.D., Regents Professor, Bayer-Borlaug Chair in Plant Breeding and International Crop Development, AgriLife Faculty Fellow, Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Rooney’s specialty sorghum breeding work focuses on developing hybrids with valuable traits like high antioxidant content, particularly 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, for use as functional foods and nutraceuticals. Studies revealed the genetic and biochemical regulation of these compounds and their impact on grain quality and food processing. New black and tannin sorghum hybrids are being evaluated for commercial potential with licensing negotiations in progress.

Enhancing Resistant Starch and Lysine Content in Rice Grains to Improve Health
Endang Septiningsih, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Septiningsih’s project improves rice nutrition by editing genes to boost resistant starch, RS, and lysine content – traits linked to better glycemic regulation and overall health. New rice lines showed higher RS and slowly digestible starch, SDS, or doubled lysine, with promising agronomic, cooking and physical grain properties. Collaborative work extends these findings to other grains, and future studies will focus on exploring additional promising edited lines, health impacts in lab models and further cross-breeding for optimal traits.

Nutrient-Sensing Ghrelin Signaling at the Interface Between Maternal Diet and Childhood Behavior Disorders
Yuxiang Sun, Ph.D., M.D., Chancellor EDGES Fellow; AgriLife Research Faculty Fellow; interim associate director for Precision Nutrition, IHA; professor and associate department head for graduate programs, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition

Sun’s research reveals that Western dietary patterns, characterized by high-fat intake and high-fructose beverages, drive inflammation and impair brain health via the nutrient-sensing ghrelin receptor, GHSR. In lab models, this diet promotes microglial activation and neuroinflammation, leading to anxiety and memory deficits, while GHSR deficiency is protective. These findings position GHSR as a promising therapeutic target to combat diet-induced neurobehavioral impairments.

Long-Term Memory of Adverse Prenatal Environment of Offspring and Its Genetic Interactions/Establishing a Machine Learning-Based Hepatic Retinoid-Level Prediction Model for a Precision Nutrition Foundation
Masako Suzuki, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Suzuki’s lab investigates how maternal nutrition and genetic variation shape disease risk in offspring, particularly focusing on vitamin A and retinoid metabolism. Using lab models and genome-wide data, they found that prenatal vitamin A disruption impacts fetal organ development in a strain-dependent manner and that high-fat diets increase liver retinoid storage. These discoveries support new approaches to precision nutrition in pregnancy and early life.

Strategies to Improve the Adoption, Reach and Implementation of Nutrition Education Ambassador Programs
Jacob Szeszulski, Ph.D., faculty scientist, IHA and Texas A&M AgriLife Research; assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition

Szeszulski leads a project to increase the adoption and impact of nutrition education programs for high school students in Texas. More specifically his project aims to test marketing methods to increase program engagement, evaluate the effect of personalized nutrition text messages on diet quality and assess impact of additional agriculture-focused curricular content on students’ selection of school- and community-health projects. To date, marketing campaigns have significantly boosted applications. The effect of personalized nutrition text messages and agricultural events are still being evaluated as scalable strategies for improving healthy eating and food system literacy.

Diurnal Metabolic Responses and Neurotransmitter Stimulation to Regulate Appetite and Mood Following Tannin-Rich Grape Juice Consumption
Steve Talcott, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M Department of Food Science and Technology and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Talcott’s work evaluates the bioavailability and health impact of muscadine grape polyphenols in juice products by optimizing tannase enzyme treatments and running human clinical trials. This specialty crop is rich in bioactive gallotannins, but their absorption is limited. Treatment increased absorbable metabolites with distinct effects on urinary biomarkers, suggesting improved bioavailability and potential benefits for glucose regulation, mood and cognitive function.

Enhancing Fresh Produce Safety and Nutritional Value Through Encapsulated Plant-Derived Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Delivery
Matthew Taylor, Ph.D., professor, Texas A&M Department of Animal Science and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Taylor’s research optimizes nano- and micro-encapsulated plant-derived antimicrobials, specifically curcumin and quercetin, to extend the shelf life and safety of fresh produce. These technologies demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies, maintained stability on produce surfaces and have been integrated into edible wax coatings. This work aims to reduce food waste, improve safety and deliver anti-inflammatory benefits through innovative food processing.

Development of the Intelligent System for Integrating Global Human and Animal Health Technology’s (INSIGHT) Large Language Model
Luis Tedeschi, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research Faculty Fellow; Chancellor EDGES Fellow; professor, Texas A&M Department of Animal Science

Tedeschi’s INSIGHT project developed a specialized, retrieval-augmented language model to synthesize evidence from animal production, food composition and human nutrition literature. The AI system integrates thousands of publications and delivers transparent, citation-grounded answers connecting livestock feeding decisions to human health. With above-baseline performance in precision and recall, INSIGHT facilitates interdisciplinary grant writing, research and policy development for healthier, more sustainable food systems. This work remains ongoing.

Advancing Precision Nutrition: Wearable Technology for Insulin Monitoring
Limei Tian, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M Department of Biomedical Engineering

Tian’s team developed a wearable microneedle biosensor for real-time, minimally invasive insulin and C-peptide monitoring in human interstitial fluid, enabling fine-grained metabolic tracking unavailable with traditional blood tests. First-in-human studies validate strong correlation to blood biomarkers. The technology supports personalized nutrition, early metabolic dysfunction detection and improved research on dietary interventions for diseases like diabetes.

Edible Insects and Health: From a Pest to an Asset
Jeffery Tomberlin, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research Fellow; Presidential Impact Fellow; professor, Texas A&M Department of Entomology

Tomberlin investigates the nutritional profile and food system utility of black soldier fly larvae, focusing on their capacity to convert food waste into high-quality, bioavailable sources of vitamin B12 for human and animal consumption. Experiments showed that larvae reared on fruit and vegetable wastes accumulate and retain B12 through processing steps, opening pathways for scalable production of alternative proteins and micronutrients.

The Burden of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Under-Represented Adolescents in Texas: Towards Early Diagnosis and Personalized Nutrition for Healthy Living
Heidi Vanden Brink, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Vanden Brink studies the burden of polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, among underrepresented adolescents in Texas, focusing on early diagnosis and nutrition interventions. Vanden Brink studies the burden of polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, among underrepresented adolescents in Texas, focusing on early diagnosis and nutrition interventions. Initial findings from this community-based sample of 100-adolescents presented at the American Physiological Society and the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society indicated a substantial proportion of adolescents met criteria for PCOS despite not having prior diagnosis. Overall, adolescents consumed a poor diet quality, regardless of PCOS phenotype. We also find that acanthosis nigricans may be a stronger early predictor of PCOS in this population versus hirsutism, the current clinical marker. The work sets the stage for targeted prevention in vulnerable populations.

Unraveling the Potential of Nutritional Intervention for Liver Fibrosis in People Living with HIV
Chaodong Wu, Ph.D., Presidential Impact Fellow; Texas A&M AgriLife Research Faculty Fellow and Senior Research Fellow; professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition

Wu’s research investigates how nutrition can manage liver fibrosis in people living with HIV. The study found that while HIV/ART and poor diet drive liver damage by over-stimulating the STING pathway, bioactive compounds from crops significantly reduce this activation in macrophages. By suppressing STING, these nutritional interventions offer a promising “food as medicine” approach to reducing chronic liver risks in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy.

Role of Fiber-Omega-3 Interactions in Brain Health
Chia-Shan (Jenny) Wu, Ph.D., instructional assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Nutrition and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

We examine gut-brain interactions by studying the molecular effects of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids on gut microbiota, inflammation and brain function. Lab models featuring diets low in fermentable fiber showed reduced microbial diversity, altered colonic gene expression and greater disease risk. Ongoing research uses advanced imaging and single-cell transcriptomics to reveal dietary mechanisms and aid in designing precision nutrition interventions for brain and gut health.

Exploring m6A Modification to Enhance Responsive Agriculture and Human Health
Peng Xu, Ph.D., associate professor, Texas A&M Department of Medical Physiology

Xu explores the role of RNA methylation, m6A, in linking nutrition, metabolism and heart health, as m6A modulates gene expression in both plant and human systems. Laboratory models with loss of the METTL14 methyltransferase developed inflammatory heart conditions, suggesting a critical role for m6A in cardiometabolic resilience. The research bridges molecular biology and precision nutrition, aiming for interventions that prevent heart failure through dietary and genetic strategies.

Leveraging AI to Enhance Personalized Nutrition
Azlan Zahid, Ph.D., assistant professor, Texas A&M Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Zahid’s research leverages artificial intelligence, AI, to develop a Healthy Eating Index-informed, HEI, food recommendation system, translating personal dietary profiles into actionable, personalized meal suggestions. The system restricts AI-generated recommendations to validated foods and nutrient data, demonstrating significant improvement in users’ HEI scores. The approach can scale up in public health and education for more effective diet interventions.

Zinc Supplementation as a Preventive Strategy for Preeclampsia
Kurt Zhang, Ph.D., associate professor, Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine

Zhang’s translational study investigates zinc supplementation as a preventive strategy for preeclampsia, a leading maternal health risk linked to heavy metal exposure. Using a new cadmium-induced laboratory model, findings show that prenatal exposure to cadmium impairs placental development, but zinc supplementation counters defects in vascular remodeling and trophoblast differentiation. The research now collaborates with clinical teams to assess human placental samples and refine intervention strategies.