Completed Research Studies

ACE: The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism through which exercise affects brain function in adults between the ages 18 – 35.

BAT Kids: Behavioral Associations with Thinking in Kids was a study for children ages 4-5 years that investigated the relationship between early life nutrition and thinking ability.

CATS:  The aim of this study was to determine the relationship among the various nutrition status assessment techniques in adults. Participation in this study involved up to 1 session about 3.5 hours long where we measured height, weight, waist circumference and asked participants to complete surveys to understand diet and physical activity habits. We also conducted cognitive tests and simple eye tests and a skin test to understand habitual diet.

ELIAS: This study involved toddlers 12-18 months-of-age and explored how nutrition impacts visual and brain development.

EPOCH: Evidence-based dietary strategies provide behavioral means of mitigating the effects of obesity on physical and cognitive function in adults ages 25-45 years. The EPOCH study aimed to investigate effects of a fermented dairy beverage consumption and a lactose-free dairy beverage with added dietary prebiotic fiber on changes in behavioral and biological measures of cognition and stress among obese adults.

Gardening and Family Health Study: This study aimed to understand the relationship between gardening and individual and family health.  Two adults between the ages of 18-45 and one child between the ages of 5-17.

Gut-Brain: A cross-sectional study in adults ages 25-44 years aimed at examining the relationship between lifestyle behaviors, gut function, metabolism, and thinking ability.

HAPPIMOMs: Health Assessments Pre and Postpartum Involving Macular pigments, Obesity/Overweight, and Microbiome Study. HAPPIMOMs examined the relationship among aspects of nutrition, gut health, and weight changes during and after pregnancy.  Women in any stage of pregnancy or those who have recently given birth (<12 weeks prior) participated.

iPALS Study: This study is examined the effects of a physical activity summer program for elementary and middle school students on cognitive abilities and physical fitness. Participants were enrolled in the iPALS Wellness Program, a 3-4 week summer camp involving sports and physical activity games, nutrition education, and academic enrichment.

LiBra: This study examined the relationship among diet, physical health, and cognitive performance in children ages 8 to 13 years.  Participation involved 2 visits to Freer Hall and possibly 3 visits to Beckman Institute.  Measures included health behaviors such as diet and physical activity, weight status, brain imaging, and a blood draw.

PATH: A 12-week dietary intervention in adults ages 25-45 years aimed at examining the relationships between dietary intake, gut function, metabolism, and thinking ability.

RETLU: This study retrospectively investigated the effects of early life nutrition on brain structure, function, and cognition among current and previous child participants ages 7-12 years.

SHELL Study: This study examined the relationships among dietary intake, retinal health, and cognition in children ages 7-12 years.

WatUP: This study investigated the effect of water consumption on gut microbiota and thinking ability in adults ages 19-50 years.

WITIKids: Water Intervention for Thinking in Kids ages 9-10 years. This study aimed to assess the effects of fluid intake reduction on markers of hydration status and cognitive function.