Highlighted Researcher: Jessica Alvarez

What is your professional background? 
I am a registered dietitian with a PhD in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I came to Emory in 2011 as a Postdoctoral Fellow to gain experience in clinical trials working with Dr. Vin Tangpricha. After that, I was lucky to be able to stay here as an Instructor and, now, as an Assistant Professor on the tenure track.

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor? 
I’m in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Lipids. I’ve picked up several incredible mentors along the way. Dr. Thomas Ziegler is my primary mentor. I also value mentoring from Drs. Dean Jones, Arlene Stecenko, Nael McCarty, Neale Weitzmann, and Igho Ofotokun.

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?  
My work focuses on the role of diet and body composition on health outcomes in chronic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, cancer, and more recently, HIV. Obesity exacerbates negative health outcomes in these and other chronic diseases. My research integrates state-of-the-art tools, such as metabolomics and magnetic resonance imaging, to study interactions of diet and adiposity on metabolism in these diseases.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
The original Jurassic Park and Independence Day are my all-time favorite movies, but I could also watch Love Actually on repeat every day.

What do you like most about Emory? 
My favorite parts about Emory are the University’s commitment to faculty development and the culture of collaboration between its researchers.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 
Family outings with my husband and kids (hikes, zoo, farmer’s markets) are my favorite things to do along with reading fiction books, exploring new Atlanta restaurants, and avoiding housework.

What is a fun fact about you? 
My guilty pleasure is watching the Bachelor/Bachelorette show with a glass of wine or ice cream.