E Matthew Morris

E Matthew Morris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. His research focuses on liver mitochondrial energy metabolism and its role in systemic metabolic health, particularly in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

• Education: PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (2011) from the University of Missouri, Columbia
• Training: Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Missouri (2011-2015) and University of Kansas Medical Center (2015-2020)

Morris explores how mitochondrial function in the liver interacts with neural pathways to regulate energy homeostasis and sex differences in diet-induced weight gain. His work also examines transcriptional control of mitochondrial lipid metabolism in the ventromedial hypothalamus.

Key trends in his publications include sex-specific adaptations to high-fat diets, mitochondrial-lysosome interactions, and exercise-induced metabolic reprogramming. His studies often use rodent models to dissect mechanisms linking mitochondrial physiology to systemic disease.

• Scientific Awards: NIH Mentored K01 NIDDK award (2017) to study liver energy metabolism in acute high-fat/high-sucrose feeding

Morris collaborates extensively with Dr. John Thyfault and investigates interventions like bile acid sequestrants, exercise training, and diet modifications. He leads his own laboratory as principal investigator since 2020, focusing on translational approaches to metabolic disease prevention.