Kevin D. Laugero

Kevin D. Laugero is a Research Nutritionist at the USDA ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center (WHNRC) and an Associate Adjunct Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of California, Davis. He holds a B.A. in Biology from California State University, Fresno, and a Ph.D. in Physiology from UC Davis.

His research focuses on the interplay between stress and nutrition, examining how physiological and metabolic factors influence individual responses to chronic stress. Using a systems biology approach, his lab investigates stress, diet, and physical activity across animal models, human studies, and community-based research to identify mechanisms underlying stress resilience and vulnerability.

Key themes in his work include understanding how dietary patterns and stress interact to impact cardiometabolic health, vaccine efficacy in infants, and behavioral adaptations to chronic stress. His studies often involve controlled feeding trials, dietary assessment tools, and innovative clinical techniques to evaluate interventions. Notable contributions include exploring mindfulness-based weight loss strategies and the neurobiological underpinnings of sugar addiction.

Collaborative projects include global health studies in Ghana and interdisciplinary efforts to refine nutritional phenotyping and public health policy. While no awards are explicitly listed, his extensive publication record reflects recognition in stress physiology, nutrition, and metabolic research.