Naima Moustaid-Moussa

Naima Moustaid-Moussa is the Paul W. Horn Distinguished Professor at Texas Tech University (TTU) with joint appointments in the Department of Nutritional Sciences (College of Human Sciences) and TTUHSC Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry. She serves as the Inaugural Executive Director of the TTU System-wide Institute for One Health Innovation and founded the Obesity Research Institute. Her research focuses on adipocyte biology, obesity-associated inflammation, and metabolic disease mechanisms.

Education includes a PhD in Endocrinology from Sorbonne University (Paris), postdoctoral training at Harvard School of Public Health, and undergraduate studies at University of Mohamed V (Morocco) and University of Paris Sud-Orsay.

Her research integrates nutrigenomics, adipose tissue endocrinology, and bioactive food components to combat obesity-linked conditions like diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's. Current projects investigate:

• Omega-3 fatty acids in neuroinflammation and thermogenesis
• Polyphenol-mediated gut-adipose axis modulation
• Diet-microbiome interactions in metabolic dysregulation
• Bioengineered delivery systems for nutraceuticals

Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on:

• Molecular mechanisms linking obesity to neurodegeneration
• Gut microbiota modulation via dietary interventions
• Sex-specific metabolic responses to bioactive compounds
• Novel therapeutic targeting of thermogenic adipose tissues

Awards & Recognition:

• Fellow of The Obesity Society (FTOS)
• Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA)
• Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (FNAI)
• President-Elect of American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
• Member of National Academies’ Board on Agriculture & Natural Resources

Directs the Nutrigenomics, Inflammation & Obesity Research (NIOR) Laboratory and mentors graduate students. Research funded by NIH, USDA, AHA, and industry partners. Leads cross-disciplinary initiatives in One Health and metabolic disease prevention.