Kristy Townsend

Kristy Townsend is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at The Ohio State University, holding a tenured position in the College of Medicine. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Maine and multiple other institutions. Her research focuses on neurobiology of energy balance, neural plasticity in metabolic health, and adipose tissue innervation. She leads the Townsend Lab, investigating mechanisms linking brain function to obesity, diabetes, and aging-related metabolic disorders.

Education: PhD in Neuroscience from Boston University (2007), B.S. in Biochemistry from University of Maine (2002). Postdoctoral training at King’s College London, Joslin Diabetes Center, and Harvard Medical School.

Research Themes:

• Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in energy balance regulation
• Peripheral nerve plasticity in adipose depots
• Dietary effects on energy balance
• Adult neural stem cell dynamics

Key Contributions:

• First identification of 'adipose neuropathy' in obesity/diabetes
• Role of BMP7 in appetite and thermogenesis
• Neurovascular interactions in metabolic health

Awards & Grants: Over $2M in NIH/NSF grants, including AHA and Keck Foundation funding. Recognized for mentorship and contributions to biomedical education outreach.

Professional Roles:

• Member of 10+ academic programs and collaboratives
• Board member, Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
• Organizer of international symposia (TRINS/PHAT)