Jennifer T Smilowitz

Jennifer T. Smilowitz, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension at the University of California, Davis, in the Department of Nutrition. Her research focuses on the role of diet in shaping the gut microbiome across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on clinical nutrition and lactation during the critical first 1000 days of life. Dr. Smilowitz also serves as the director of the ORIANE Lab, which develops evidence-based interventions to address health equity through nutrition education and community engagement.

Education:

• B.S., Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
• Ph.D., Nutritional Biology, University of California, Davis

Research Interests: Dr. Smilowitz investigates how dietary patterns influence gut microbiome composition and function, particularly in infants and young children. Her work bridges clinical research and community outreach, addressing gaps in health equity through initiatives like the ORIANE Lab’s multimedia educational programs and professional development training for healthcare providers.

Outreach & Impact: Her programs emphasize culturally sensitive interventions to improve infant feeding practices, reduce chronic disease risk, and empower families through nutrition literacy. Recent efforts include analyzing the 2022 U.S. infant formula shortage’s impact on parental behavior and infant health outcomes.

Labs & Teams: The ORIANE Lab (Outreach & Research Implementing Advancements in Nutrition Equity) employs multi-disciplinary strategies to translate scientific findings into actionable community health solutions, including dietary intervention trials and health professional training initiatives.