Neda Akhavan

Neda Akhavan, Ph.D., RD, serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), joining the faculty in August 2023. Her research bridges clinical dietetics and public health policy through evidence-based nutritional interventions.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Human Nutrition, Florida State University
• M.S. in Clinical Nutrition, Florida State University
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Human Nutrition, Florida State University

Research Focus: Dr. Akhavan investigates how functional foods (whole foods, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements) prevent or improve chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline. Her work examines interactions between dietary patterns, obesity, aging, and functional performance across diverse populations, emphasizing translational applications for public health. Key methodologies include randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating specific foods and dietary patterns.

Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates intense focus on clinical trials assessing mango, prune, almond, white potato, and berry consumption for cardiometabolic and bone health outcomes. Her studies frequently target prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and aging populations using rigorous designs including dose-response analyses and multi-ethnic cohorts, revealing significant impacts on glycemic control, inflammation, and vascular function.

Professional Integration: As a Registered Dietitian, Dr. Akhavan actively connects research with clinical practice, advocating for multidisciplinary collaboration to transform nutritional science into actionable public health strategies that improve dietary habits and reduce chronic disease burden.