NC STATE UNIVERSITY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Graduate Student
- Graduate Student / Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Dr. Ahmad Ud Din completed his PhD in 2019. He joined Dr. Andrew Neilson at PHHI where he conducts advanced independent and/or directed research with a focus on the interaction between plant-derived phytochemicals, the human microbiome, and nutrition/health and evaluation of dietary phytochemicals and microbial metabolites in animal models.
His research interests include interplay between gut microbiome dysbiosis and interventions through prebiotics, probiotic and how they relate to different diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis) and colon cancer using various mouse models. His publications can be found in journals including the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, Genes & Disease, Cell Death Discovery, etc. Dr. Din is open to share ideas and work in collaboration. He has wide knowledge in multidisciplinary research area and connecting that to gut microbiome.
Job Titles:
- Extension Associate, STEM Education
Bio
Amy Bowman, is an Extension Associate in STEM Education with the N.C. State Extension component of PHHI. She develops and implements STEM-based instructional initiatives related to the research efforts by PHHI faculty. Initiatives include classroom modules, hands-on activity kits, web resources and handouts. She targets K-12 students by sharing resources with teachers, county Extension agents, home school groups and the general public. She coordinates training opportunities with fellow STEM educators to feature PHHI research and demonstrate seamless integration of PHHI resources into the curriculum.
A 15-year veteran middle grades teacher, Bowman holds her National Board Certification in Math.
Education
M.Ed. Middle and Secondary Education University of North Carolina at Charlotte
B.S. Biology Tennessee Technological University
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor
- Associate Professor / Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
Bio
Dr. Neilson's research focuses on the interactions between dietary phytochemicals (particularly flavonoids) and the gut microbiome, and how these interactions influence human health. Of specific interest are the bioactivities of microbial metabolites produced when the gut microbiome metabolizes unabsorbed dietary components. Specific health areas of interest include gut health and metabolic syndrome. Additionally, Dr. Neilson is investigating how individual genetic variability influences the efficacy of dietary phytochemicals for improvement of gut health and metabolic syndrome. Prior to joining PHHI, Dr. Neilson spent 7.5 years as a faculty member at Virginia Tech.
Education
PhD Food Science Purdue University
BS Food Science Brigham Young University
Bio
Anna Guiotto is a Visiting Scholar in the Valacchi Lab.
Bio
Ariana Pasqui is a visiting scholar in the Valacchi Lab.
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Job Titles:
- Extension Assistant, Visual Communications
Bio
Becky Lane provides visual communication expertise to the Plants for Human Health Institute, through graphic design, videography and photographer. She works with PHHI faculty and staff, as well as PHHI's Extension team to develop materials that support research and programmatic outreach. Becky brings a wealth of experience to this position from past marketing positions in higher education and industry.
Education
BA History Furman University
Job Titles:
- IT Implementation Support Professional II
Job Titles:
- Graduate Student
- Student Spotlight
Bio
Brianna Haynes is a Masters student working under Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie and Dr. Gina Fernandez in the Horticultural Science Department. Her research focuses on small fruits, mainly strawberries and raspberries, and has both traditional plant breeding and postharvest aspects. Primary components involve fully characterizing the North Carolina strawberry breeding program's germplasm collection by means of anthocyanin content and profiles, phenolics, soluble sugars, acidity, and overall fruit quality. Brianna is also working on a Rubus genomics project.
Education
BS Horticultural Science NC State University
BS Crop & Soil Science NC State University
Buse Zeren Kiremitci is a visiting scholar in the lab of Dr. Abdulkerim Eroglu.
Job Titles:
- Research Technician
- Lab Technician for the Plants for Human Health Institute
Bio
Charles Warlick has worked as a lab technician for the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) since 2012. Previously an intern in the lab of Dr. Mary Ann Lila, he has earned A.A.S. degrees in biotechnology and electrical engineering, as well as a B.S. in biology.
Warlick is responsible for completing extractions and performing assays and has done extensive work in walnut research. Other work experience includes being a "Failure Analysis Technician" for IBM and Solectron over the past 20 years. When not assisting in groundbreaking research involving the elucidation of health-promoting phytochemicals in plants, he enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends, as well as water sports like jet skiing and boating.
Education
BS Biology
AAS Biotechnology
AAS Electrical Engineering
Job Titles:
- Translational Nutrition Program Manager
Cheri Granillo is responsible for developing and disseminating programs related to research affecting health and wellness and the Plants for Human Health Institute. Her particular interests include prevention and disease mitigation through diet change and maintenance. She has experience as a Primary Care medical provider in underserved communities.
Education
DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice University of North Carolina Charlotte
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
BSN Registered Nurse Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
BS Biology, Nutrition Concentration NC State University
BA Spanish Language and Literature NC State University
Job Titles:
- Graduate Student
- Graduate Student / Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
Bio
As an alumni of the Plant Pathways Elucidation Project (P2EP), Connor's research in plant protein extraction was awarded first place amongst the 2017 research cohort. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus with degrees in biology and international management in 2018, Connor spent two years teaching biology at an international school in Thailand before returning to the United States to pursue his PhD under the guidance of Dr. Komarnytsky. Connor's research continues developing novel methods of plant protein isolation and functional modification, with an emphasis on applying these techniques to reducing agricultural waste and increasing sustainability.
Job Titles:
- Distinguished Professor
- Owner of Dole Food Company, Inc.
David H. Murdock, owner of Dole Food Company, Inc., envisioned a world-class research campus where collaborative science could yield discoveries in nutrition, health and plant sciences. Realizing the potential of the life sciences to help cure diseases and improve health, Murdock partnered with North Carolina to create an innovative, state-of-the-art research campus. The N.C. Research Campus has partnerships with public and private institutions of higher learning as well as local, national and global business ventures. About 30 miles north of Charlotte and 130 miles west of Raleigh, the N.C. Research Campus is located in Kannapolis. Where aging textile mill buildings once stood, modern laboratories and offices have risen. The first three campus buildings were dedicated and opened in October 2008.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor, Regenerative Medicine
Diego Garcia is a graduate student under the direction of Dr. Marvin Moncada.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Support Specialist
Dona Miller is part of the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) administrative staff and assists with bookkeeping, travel and daily operation duties. She came to PHHI and the N.C. Research Campus through a cooperative education opportunity with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
Bio
Doug Vernon is a retired agricultural education teacher. In his role with PHHI Extension, he connects PHHI with the community, especially through local schools and school gardens. He forges partnerships that help facilitate outreach program efforts. Vernon also coordinates Scientist for a Day, a unique experience where select students from Kannapolis City Schools spend a day at PHHI hearing from scientists and learning about STEM careers and research that is taking place at the NC Research Campus.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor, Nutrigenomics
- Assistant Professor, Nutrigenomics / Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry
- Lead Advisor
The Eroglu lab at NC State University strives to describe biochemical routes and downstream signaling effects of carotenoid metabolism by the gut microbiota in mammalian organisms. We are investigating the role of carotenoids in the gut microbiota and in mediating microbe-host interactions. The overall objective of our research program is to harness carotenoid metabolism in the gut microbiota and to reveal implications for host inflammation.
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Dr. Fábio Medeiros works in Dr. Marvin Moncada's laboratory. His primary research focus is related to the development of a simple and straightforward processing strategy to produce nutrient-rich, shelf-stable food ingredients, with an emphasis on the valorization of mushrooms and alternative protein sources. His research interest are mainly related to the valorization of food by-products for the development of novel and nutritious food ingredients and bioprocesses.
Education
PhD Chemical Engineering Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
MS Chemical Engineering Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
BS Chemical Engineering Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor, Plant Food Processing
- Assistant Professor, Plant Food Processing / Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
Dr. Marvin Moncada's research interest is focused on a plant-based total utilization engineering program designed to create value-added products, starting with the processing of raw materials and food by-products and continuing through the development of novel food products or food ingredients. Additionally, his program will be involved in research related to the processing, characterization, and bioactivity of industrial hemp.
Education
PhD Louisiana State University
MS Louisiana State University
BS Zamorano University
Bio
Dr. Mary Grace works in the lab of Dr. Mary Ann Lila. She is involved with the investigation of bioactive components in fruits, vegetables and medicinal herbs. There are three components to her research:
Natural products chemistry including isolation, characterization and structural elucidation of secondary metabolites from plants and other natural sources.
Biological evaluation of those active natural substances for their potency to alleviate symptoms of some acute and chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, age-related diseases, malaria and cancer.
Development of analytical techniques for medicinal plant analysis.
Education
PhD Cairo University
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor at North Carolina State University
- Associate Professor, Small Fruit and Vegetable Genetics and Genomics
Dr. Massimo Iorizzo is an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University. He is a plant geneticist and his research program focuses on comparative structural genomics and genetics of traits associated with enhanced quality characteristics including health properties. Crops of interest in his program include blueberry, carrot, banana, pineapple, spinach, sweet potato, cranberry and potato. Milestones of his research on these crops includes development of six reference genomes and discovery of multiple genes involved in bioactive biosynthesis and regulation. He is the director and co-director of three multidisciplinary projects targeting blueberry, cranberry and carrot, aiming at advancing molecular breeding for quality characteristics for these crops. Through a transdisciplinary research approach he began efforts to understand the relationship among quality traits, bioactive accumulation, and their nutrigenomic properties (bioaccessibility). In the long term, his research will facilitate the selection of new fruit and vegetable cultivars with improved quality and health promoting characteristics.
Education
PhD University of Naples "Federico II"
MS University of Naples "Federico II"
Dr. Renee Strauch works as a senior research scholar in Dr. Mary Ann Lila's lab, and their research focuses on the bioactive compounds found in some foods that benefit human health when consumed. Berries, such as blueberries, black currants, and cranberries, have high levels of polyphenols and are associated with heart-health, neuroprotective benefits, cancer chemoprevention and antidiabetic properties. The mechanisms by which these polyphenols improve our health and reduce disease incidence, however, is not known. Using her experience in biochemistry, natural products chemistry, HPLC-MS and metabolomics, Renee is working to identify plant bioactives, understand their metabolism, and define the mechanisms by which they impact human health.
Education
PhD Northwestern University
BS Miami University
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor, Pharmacogenomics
- Lead Advisor
Erin Deaton works in the lab of Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie. Her lab responsibilities include: assisting in evaluating the quality, flavor, and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, operating and maintaining lab equipment, preparing samples for HPLC and UPLC analysis, performing laboratory tests, and recording research data.
Education
BS Biology University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Job Titles:
- High Performance Computing Manager
Job Titles:
- Greenhouse / Growth Chamber Operations Manager
Bio
Jack Lotito manages and maintains the growing facilities for NC State in Kannapolis. PHHI maintains greenhouse and growth chamber space used by PHHI faculty and staff, other academic institutions and industry. Jack's responsibilities include helping ensure that research is carried out accurately, safely and effectively. He also receives and manages space allocation requests in coordination with the space allocation committee.
Education
AAS Biotechnology Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Job Titles:
- Director, Business and Research Administration
Bio
Jonathan Baros provides administrative oversight for the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI), including coordinating Account Maintenance, Human Resources, Facilities and Outreach. He serves as a liaison with main campus administrators in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as well as faculty from multiple departments within the college to support PHHI personnel.
Baros manages all of the institute budgets and handles post-award accounts. He oversees logistics of human resources activities and recruitment coordination, monitors maintenance and facilities contracts, and acts as a point-of-contact resource for N.C. Research Campus initiatives and outreach opportunities.
In addition, Baros coordinates PHHI Extension's efforts and programs, which include communications, nutrition education, STEM education and farm business management.
Education
MBA Business Administration East Carolina University
MS Agricultural Economics Texas A&M University
BS Agricultural Economics Texas A&M University
Job Titles:
- Research Technician
- Research Assistant in the Lab of Dr. Sirius Li
Bio
Juanita Ratliff is a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Sirius Li. She prepares samples for LC/MS analysis, maintains equipment, places orders and keeps the lab stocked. Her responsibilities also include the generation of plasmids.
Education
BS Animal Science West Virginia University
Job Titles:
- Director of the Plants for Human Health Institute
- Director, Plants for Human Health Institute
- Lead Advisor
Mary Ann Lila is Director of the Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Research Campus. She holds the David H. Murdock Distinguished Professorship, and is a Professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences. Through ground-breaking, transdisciplinary discovery and outreach, her team of faculty at the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) pioneers a dramatic shift in the way the American public views and uses food crops - not merely as a source of nutrients and flavorful calories, but as a powerful resource for components that protect and enhance human health. Integrated research in metabolomics, biochemistry, pharmacogenomics, molecular breeding, regenerative medicine, translational food science and nutrition and postharvest are aimed at development and promotion of mainstream fruit and vegetable produce with enhanced health benefits, and introduction of new or underappreciated crops and products from around the globe, allowing consumers to make proactive, responsible dietary choices that benefit their own, and their families' health. Dr. Lila's is a recent recipient of the Babcock-Hart Award for food technology/public health (through the IFT), and the Copernico Bronze Medal for Food Science & Nutrition.
Recent projects include a Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) grant on ‘Closing the gap in delivery of fruit and vegetable benefits'; a USDA-funded initiative on polyphenol-protein aggregates for attenuation of food allergies; a USDA ANNH initiative on ‘Back to the River; the science behind Alaska's traditional subsistence lifestyle'; a USDA SCRI CAP grant on leveraging genomic and genetic resources to enable improved blueberry and cranberry fruit quality attributes; a USDA/ARS Pulse Crop Health Initiative; and a Phase II USDA SBIR on ‘Clean, cost-effective technology to recover and stabilize phytoactive fruit compounds from waste streams'.
Lila was formerly Director (2006-2008) of ACES Global Connect (the international arm of the College of ACES, University of Illinois) and Associate Director of the nationally acclaimed Functional Foods for Health Program (1997-2000) at the University of Illinois. Dr. Lila has been honored with the Paul A. Funk Scholarship Recognition Award (the premier research award in the College of ACES, University of Illinois), the Spitze Professorial Career Excellence Award, the Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, the University Scholar Award, the Amoco Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Instruction, and the Lilly Endowment Teaching Fellowship. Dr. Lila has ongoing research projects in Australia, New Zealand, and various countries in Europe and Africa, and is Vice President of the Global Institute for BioExploration (GIBEX). In 1999, Dr. Lila won a Fulbright Senior Scholarship to conduct research and outreach in New Zealand, and (at least before COVID) returns to Australasia at least once/year.
Education
BSc Horticultural Science University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
MSc Plant Pathology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
PhD Plant Biology University of Wisconsin at Madison
Job Titles:
- Media Contact
- Extension Associate, Communications
Megan Bame provides communications and public relations expertise to the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI), including the N.C. State Extension component of PHHI. She works with faculty and staff at PHHI and the NC Food Innovation Lab to develop and execute a variety of strategic marketing communication plans and resources. Responsibilities include media relations, website updates, writing and editing expertise, multimedia development and the creation, packaging and marketing of educational resources that position PHHI and Extension for continued success.
Job Titles:
- Graduate Student
- Graduate Student / Department of Horticultural Science
Ms. Joyce Edwards works in the lab of Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie. Her primary responsibilities include operating and maintaining lab equipment, preparing samples, performing laboratory tests, stocking the laboratory and recording research data. Ms. Edwards plays an important role in helping to coordinate and lead lab tours, school visits and valuable training events involving visitors from across the state and region.
Education
AAS Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Ms. Lorie Beale works in the lab of Dr. Mary Ann Lila.
Education
AAS Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Bio
Dr. Muhammad Ali Abid works in Dr. Massimo Iorizzo's laboratory as a postdoctoral researcher. His research focuses on the understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation and biosynthesis of secondary metabolite accumulation in plants, including anthocyanins, carotenoids, and organic acids. The ultimate goal is to identify genes and candidate mutations controlling secondary metabolite accumulation that can be targeted for DNA-assisted breeding either through marker-assisted selection or gene editing.
Education
PhD Crop Genetics and Breeding
Job Titles:
- Professor, Postharvest Physiologist
Job Titles:
- Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor, Systems Biologist, Epigenetics
Job Titles:
- Graduate Student
- Student Spotlight
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Job Titles:
- Plant Metabolic Pathway Engineer