AH (Sander) Kersten

Prof. AH (Sander) Kersten is a Full Professor and Director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University (since 2024). Previously, he served as Chair of the Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics group at Wageningen University (2011–2023), holding roles including Associate Professor and later Full Professor. He earned an MSc in Human Nutrition from Wageningen University (1993) and a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from Cornell University (1997), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Lausanne.

• Education:
• MSc, Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, 1993
• PhD, Nutritional Biochemistry, Cornell University, 1997

Research Focus: His work centers on molecular regulation of lipid metabolism, immunometabolism in metabolic health, and dietary fiber’s role in intestinal health. He employs functional genomics, omics tools, and systems biology approaches to study metabolic diseases and aging. Key areas include fatty acid metabolism, liver physiology, and the interplay between nutrition and immune function.

Teaching & Supervision: Supervises students through courses like Energy for Life: Molecular Nutritional Physiology and Nutrition and Health, with roles in MSc thesis supervision and internships. His academic activities include consultancy for lipid-lowering drug development (Marea Therapeutics) alongside his Cornell appointment.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Nutrition, Metabolism and Genomics research group (Wageningen) and directs Cornell’s Division of Nutritional Sciences, focusing on translational research in metabolic health.