Jennifer Ekstrom

Jennifer Ekstrom serves as a Specialist and Academic Advisor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. She instructs:

• HNF 150 – Introduction to Human Nutrition
• HNF 260 – Principles of Human Nutrition Advising

Her advising encompasses degree requirements, course scheduling, academic policies, and career resources for Nutritional Sciences undergraduates, positioning the major as an ideal pre-medical pathway.

Her research expertise includes structural biology, drug design, and enzymology, with applications in cancer, diabetes, and tropical diseases. Previous work centered on crystallographic studies of metabolic enzymes like S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase and glycogen phosphorylase. This scientific background enriches her teaching in human nutrition, bridging biochemical mechanisms to health outcomes.

Ekstrom's publications (1999-2005) reveal a focus on enzyme structure-function relationships, particularly in polyamine and glycogen metabolism pathways. Key contributions include elucidating allosteric inhibition sites for diabetes drug targets and engineering protein therapeutics. Her work, frequently featured on journal covers, demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches from crystallography to kinetic analysis, advancing therapeutic design for metabolic disorders and cancer.

No scientific awards were documented.

Dr. Ekstrom provides comprehensive academic advising, guiding students through curriculum planning, policy navigation, and professional development resources. She facilitates connections to internships, study abroad, and graduate preparation. Although her industry and research background suggests grant experience, current funding activities are not specified in the available materials.

She operates within MSU's Food Science and Human Nutrition infrastructure, including specialized labs for cereal milling, dairy processing, and sensory evaluation. Affiliated centers such as the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety and Institute for Integrative Toxicology enable collaborative research in food safety, nutrition science, and toxicology.