معرفی
Maria-Luz Fernandez is a Professor at the University of Connecticut in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. She holds a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Arizona and has served as Graduate Program Coordinator since 2000. Her research focuses on diet-chronic disease relationships, particularly dietary cholesterol, eggs, and their impact on coronary heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. She uses clinical trials and guinea pig models to study cholesterol homeostasis, inflammation, and nutrient delivery systems.
- Education: BS in Quimico Biologo (University of Sonora, 1974), MS in Food Science (Instituto Politecnico Nacional, 1980), PhD in Nutritional Sciences (University of Arizona, 1988)
Her recent work examines controversies around dietary cholesterol and has contributed to USDA guidelines. She has secured over $520,580 in USDA funding and $2 million from food companies. Her article trends show expertise in lipid metabolism, dietary interventions, and functional foods. She has mentored 20+ MS/PhD students and served on university committees including Faculty Council Chair (CAHNR) and Diversity Strategic Planning Committee.
- Scientific Awards:
- 2018-2021: Editor-in-Chief, Nutrients
- 2017: Ed Marth Award for Mentoring Graduate Students
- 2002: Gamma Sigma Delta Junior Faculty Award
- 1992: American Heart Association Fellow
Fernandez has advised students into diverse careers including academia (e.g., Sonia Vega-Lopez, Kristy L West), industry (e.g., Karin Conde, Marcela Vergara-Jimenez), and clinical research. She collaborates internationally with institutions in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and South Korea, and has delivered 30+ invited presentations in the past five years. Her laboratory has pioneered research on nano-delivery of nutrients and cholesterol-lipoprotein interactions.
