Ann M. Davis

Ann M. Davis is the Ralph L. Smith Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Kansas Medical Center, serving as Director of the Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition and Division Director of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences in the Department of Pediatrics. She also holds the position of Vice Chair for Research in Pediatrics and maintains affiliations with both KUMC and Children's Mercy Kansas City.

Her educational background includes:

• BA in Psychology & English, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
• MA in Clinical Psychology, Western Michigan University, MI
• PhD in Clinical Psychology, Western Michigan University, MI
• MPH in Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS

Dr. Davis's research focuses on pediatric obesity, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle behaviors in children and families, with particular emphasis on serving underserved populations. Her work explores physiology, cognition, behavior, physical activity, and nutrition as they relate to child health issues including obesity and diabetes, with strong focus on energy metabolism disruption. She leads the NIH-funded "Putting Parents First in Rural Pediatric Obesity Treatment" randomized clinical trial.

As a research advisor, Dr. Davis mentors students conducting clinical and translational research and offers Graduate Research Assistant positions annually. She serves on the Council of the Society for Pediatric Research (2022-2025, elected) and has been a member since 2016.

Dr. Davis directs the Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition, a 14,000-square-foot facility at Children's Mercy Kansas City featuring an 800-square-foot demonstration kitchen, 500-square-foot wet lab with -80 degree freezer, and 2400-square-foot exercise facility. The center supports clinical and bench research, educational interventions, and houses testing rooms with specialized equipment including indirect calorimeter, treadmill and DEXA.