Jose Fernandez

Dr. José R. Fernández is a Professor and Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Nutrition Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He holds a Ph.D. in Biobehavioral Health from Pennsylvania State University and completed postdoctoral training at Columbia University. His research focuses on genetic and environmental influences on obesity-related traits, particularly racial/ethnic disparities in obesity and diabetes using genetic admixture approaches.

Research interests include:

• Statistical models for gene-environment interactions
• Admixture mapping for insulin resistance
• Longitudinal metabolic changes in diverse populations

His publications predominantly explore metabolic syndrome mechanisms across racial groups, with recent work examining dietary impacts on pediatric cardiometabolic health and pandemic-related behavioral changes. Award highlights:

• UAB President's Faculty Diversity Award (2007)
• Dean's Award for Excellence in Mentoring (2010)
• Joseph F Volker Outstanding Faculty Award (2012)

As Director for Diversity Outreach, he established mentoring programs like 'Manos Juntas' and leads international research collaborations. Current NIH grants investigate race-adiposity interactions and exercise response genetics.