Danielle Christifano

Dr. Danielle Christifano is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Kansas Medical Center's School of Health Professions. She investigates the impact of nutrition on maternal and infant health outcomes.

Education:

• PhD in Medical Nutrition Science, University of Kansas
• MS in Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center
• BS in Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University

Research Focus: Her lab studies:

• Prenatal DHA supplementation and neurodevelopment
• Nutrient-gene interactions in fetal programming
• Dietary biomarkers for pregnancy outcomes
• Nutrient transfer mechanisms across placenta

Current research includes the PANDA study examining DHA effects on infant brain development and vitamin A status assessment in pregnancy.

Teaching and Mentoring: Dr. Christifano teaches maternal/child nutrition courses and mentors graduate students in doctoral programs. Her student research projects focus on nutrient status assessment, vitamin A biomarkers, and statistical modeling in nutritional sciences.

Laboratory Operations: The Christifano Research Laboratory employs nutritional biochemistry and clinical research methods. Collaborations include neuroimaging centers for assessing nutritional impacts on brain development. Her lab maintains an active Instagram presence (@ku_nourishandflourish) to disseminate research findings.