NAFLD - Pediatric Fatty Liver Group

• This interdisciplinary research team comprised of physicians, clinical, and basic scientist is focused on understanding the development and pathological features of pediatric fatty liver disease while also exploring therapies that can effectively manage or treat pediatric fatty liver disease. Pediatric fatty liver disease has increased dramatically with the obesity epidemic, but does not occur in all obese children and for unknown reasons, fatty liver disease seems to progress into more serious liver injury in youth compared to adults. Unfortunately, there are currently no known pharmacological treatments for pediatric fatty liver. Current projects focus on understanding lifestyle (diet and physical activity patterns) that are associated with pediatric fatty liver while also examining metabolic and cellular features of pediatric fatty liver in patient samples derived from an active pediatric fatty liver clinic. (contact: John Thyfault)
  

Down Syndrome Group

• This interdisciplinary team of scientists and practitioners is focused generally on the promotion of healthy lifestyles in youth and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We have strengths in genetics, metabolism, promotion and assessment of physical activity, assessment of dietary intake, and clinical weight management. (contact: Lauren Ptomey)
  

• This group is broadly interested in exploring collaborative opportunities and sharing expertise related to lifestyle interventions for obesity and physical activity. Members are also interested in the challenges of translating research findings into real world impact in communities. Members have a broad range of expertise including behavioral science, medicine, nutrition, physical therapy, community engaged research, implementation science, ecological momentary assessment, mhealth, prevention, pediatric aspects of diet and physical activity, physical activity in individuals with chronic disease or disabilities. (contact: Delwyn Catley)
  

• This interdisciplinary team of scientists and practitioners is focused generally on pregnancy and early child nutrition. We have strengths in breastfeeding, measurement (DxA, Hyperpalatable Foods, Mealtime Synchrony, etc.), as well as mouse models of early life stress, human cognitive neuroscience, tube feeding in children, nutrition literacy, and in interventions with typically developing and medically complicated children as well as in novel settings like the NICU. (contact: Ann Davis)