Human Nutrition Lab

Our research focus is on the impact of different nutrients, diets, and/or exercise on energy metabolism and appetite regulation as it relates to weight management and chronic disease risk. We are particularly interested in the physiologic effects of dietary fatty acid composition on these markers of health. Our lab also conducts research on the impact of nutrients or supplements on athletic performance.

Current Research Studies

The Human Nutrition Lab is seeking participants!

UGA Cholesterol Study

We are seeking men and women between the ages of 25-75 years, with high cholesterol levels or slightly higher body size to plus size who:

Are not taking cholesterol-lowering medication
Do not have diabetes
Can eat milk/dairy products
Do strenuous exercise less than 3 hours per week

Learn more and apply

UGA Pecan Study

Seeking men and women between the ages of 30-75 years, with high cholesterol levels or slightly higher body size to plus size, who:

Are not taking cholesterol-lowering medication
Do not have diabetes
Can eat tree nuts and milk/dairy products
Do strenuous exercise less than 3 hours per week

Learn more and apply

Running Performance in Response to Different Forms of Carbohydrate

We are looking at the effects of different forms of carbohydrate supplementation on running performance.

We are seeking endurance trained men and women between the ages of 18-45 years. Individuals need to train in aerobic exercise at least 4 hours per week and be able to run at least 8 miles.

Learn more and apply

Past Research Projects

Cognitive Functioning in Response to a Pecan-Enriched Meal

Investigators:

Jamie Cooper, principal investigator
Alyssa Guadagni

The overall goal behind this proposed research is to determine the relationship between antioxidant-rich pecans and cognitive functioning in a postprandial state.

Examining Factors Leading to Cephalic Phase Response Dampening

Investigators:

Jamie Cooper, principal investigator
Betsy Cogan

The overall goal of this study is to examine mechanisms leading to cephalic phase response dampening and subsequent appetite following a mouth rinse containing energy, sweet taste, or energy+sweet taste in normal weight or obese adults.

Comparison of Blood Lipid Responses from Diets Enriched with Cottonseed Oil versus Olive Oil in Adults with High Cholesterol

Investigators:

Jamie Cooper, principal investigator
M. Catherine Prater

The overall goal of this study is to test the impact of a diet rich in CSO against a diet rich in OO to determine if the CSO diet will show greater improvements in blood cholesterol profiles and lipid metabolism in adults with hypercholesterolemia.

The Effect of a Pecan-Enriched Diet on Vascular Function

Investigators:

Jamie Cooper, principal investigator
Betsy Cogan

The overall goal of this study is to test the impact of daily consumption of pecans versus a nut-free diet on macro- and micro vascular function, blood lipids, antioxidant status, appetite, and cognition in healthy older adults.

Comparison of Blood Lipid Responses from Diets With and Without Pecans

Investigators:

Jamie Cooper, principal investigator
Liana Rodrigues

The overall goal of this study is to test the impact of daily consumption of pecans versus a nut-free diet on blood lipid profiles and lipid metabolism in adults with bigger builds or hypercholesterolemia.

Services Available to the Public

BodPod (body fat testing)
Resting Metabolic Rate (measures your metabolism)

These assessments are available for a fee. Please contact the lab at nutritionresearch@uga.edu or via phone, 706-542-7142 to schedule a service.

Video: Human Nutrition Lab Introduction

Meet the Team

Jamie Cooper

Professor and department head in Kinesiology and director of the UGA Obesity Research Initiative

Christine Ward

Research professional

Alyssa Guadagni

PhD/DI student

Mary Prater

PhD/DI candidate

Claire Hawkins

MS/DI Student

Matthew Kessler

Undergraduate research assistant

Sydney Mance

Undergraduate research assistant

Elizabeth Petrucci

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Aashka Vaidya

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Recent Awards

2nd place - Oral Presentation Competition, Obesity Initiative Research Symposium, 2024, M. Catherine Prater
2nd place - Poster Presentation Competition, Obesity Initiative Research Symposium, 2024, Alyssa J. Guadagni
3rd place- Poster Presentation Competition, Obesity Initiative Research Symposium, 2024, M. Catherine Prater
1st place - Student Oral Presentation Competition, International Society of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (ISNFF), 2023, Alyssa J. Guadagni
2nd place - Student Oral Presentation Competition, International Society of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (ISNFF), 2023, M. Catherine Prater
Graduate Student Travel Funding Award, UGA Graduate School, 2023, Alyssa J. Guadagni
Graduate Student Travel Funding Award, UGA Graduate School, 2023, M. Catherine Prater
Graduate Student Travel Funding, UGA Obesity Research Initiative, 2023, Alyssa J. Guadagni
David Kritchevsky Graduate Student Award, Nutrition Research and Elsevier, 2023, Betsy Cogan
Patsyjane O’Malley Memorial Scholarship, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, 2023, M. Catherine Prater
3rd place - Poster Presentation Competition, Obesity Initiative Research Symposium, 2023, Alyssa J. Guadagni
Marian Wang Nutrition Scholarship, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2023, Alyssa Guadagni
Marian Wang Nutrition Scholarship, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2023, M. Catherine Prater
Virginia Wilbanks Kilgore Scholarship, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2023, M. Catherine Prater
Endsley-Peifer Student Research Award, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2023, M. Catherine Prater
“Inflammatory markers in response to Cottonseed Oil Rich Diets” Summer Research Grants for Doctoral Students (2023) Prater M.C., Cooper J.A.
Graduate Student Travel Funding, UGA Obesity Initiative, 2023, M. Catherine Prater
Outstanding Dietetic Student Award (ODSA), Dietetic Internship, Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2023, M. Catherine Prater
Graduate Student Travel Funding, UGA Obesity Initiative, 2022, M. Catherine Prater
NUTR Graduate Student Travel Funding Award, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2022, M. Catherine Prater
Graduate Student Travel Funding Award, UGA Graduate School, 2022, M. Catherine Prater
“Modulation of inflammatory markers in adults at-risk for cardiovascular disease following diets rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fat vs. monounsaturated fat” OI Graduate Student Research Grant (2022-2023) Prater M.C., Cooper J.A.
2nd place – Student Oral Presentation Competition, Obesity Initiative Research Symposium, 2022, M. Catherine Prater
Janette Smith Memorial Scholarship, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2022, M. Catherine Prater
Grace Hartley Scholarship, UGA, 2022, Betsy Cogan
Anne and Earl Haltiwanger Scholarship, UGA, 2022, Alyssa Guadagni
Hazel and Gene Franklin Scholarship, UGA, 2022, M. Catherine Prater
Janette Smith Memorial Scholarship, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Liana Rodrigues
Virginia Wilbanks Kilgore Scholarship, UGA, 2021, Betsy Cogan
Virginia Wilbanks Kilgore Scholarship, UGA, 2021, M. Catherine Prater
Virginia Wilbanks Kilgore Scholarship, UGA, 2021, Liana Rodrigues
Endsley Peifer Student Research Award, UGA, 2021, Liana Rodrigues
Richard D. Lewis Research Fund, 2020, Sarah Perrine
3rd place - Oral Presentation Competition, Obesity Initiative Research Symposium, 2020, Liana Rodrigues
2nd place - Poster Presentation Competition, Obesity Initiative Research Symposium, 2020, M. Catherine Prater
Tumlin Funding for Conferences, UGA, 2020, Liana Rodrigues
Tumlin Fund Graduate Student Travel Funding, UGA, 2020, M. Catherine Prater
Hazel and Gene Frankin Scholarship, UGA, 2020, Liana Rodrigues
Holly B. Alley Scholarship, Georgia Nutrition Council, 2020, Liana Rodrigues
Leila Alberta Ritchie Mize Endowment, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2020, Betsy Cogan
FACS Fund for Excellence, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2020, Betsy Cogan
CURO Honors Scholars selected for 2020-2021, Madison Wood, Sarah Perrine, Olivia Nicklos, Ashley Thornton, Robyn Salzberg, Sarah Verdery, Kaiyan Li, and Rena Mckenzie
Glenn and Helen Burton Feeding the Hungry Schoarship, UGA, 2019, Liana Rodrigues
Wilbanks Kilgore Scholarship, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2019-2020, M. Catherine Prater
Wilbanks Kilgore Scholarship, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2019-2020, Betsy Cogan
Wilbanks Kilgore Scholarship, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2018-2019, Alexis Marquardt
Marian Wang Nutrition Scholarship, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2018-2019, Liana Rodrigues