Nishanth E Sunny

Dr. Nishanth E Sunny is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal & Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on understanding metabolic pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic diseases such as fatty liver disease, obesity, and type II diabetes. He uses in vitro and in vivo models (e.g., mice, chicken embryos, neonatal pigs) to study mechanisms linking mitochondrial function to metabolic health. Current funding includes grants from the NIH and USDA, supporting projects on metabolic flux analysis, mitochondria integration, and disease progression. His lab employs advanced techniques like stable isotope-based metabolomics and mass spectrometry.

Key research areas include:

• Metabolic transitions during growth and development
• Role of mitochondrial networks in energy homeostasis
• Biochemical mechanisms underlying insulin resistance
• Strategies to alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic diseases

His work bridges animal models and human health, with implications for therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic disorders. The lab is also involved in translational research to apply findings from animal studies to clinical contexts.