Brief Bio
Dr. Steven Zeisel (MD, Harvard, 1975; PhD, M.I.T., 1980) is the Kenan Distinguished University Professor in Nutrition and Pediatrics; former Chairman, Department of Nutrition; Director of the Nutrition Research Institute and Director of the UNC Nutrition Obesity Research Center. The Nutrition Research Institute focuses on using genetic, epigenetic and metabolomic methods to discover why there is individual variation in responses to, and requirements for nutrients. The UNC Nutrition Obesity Research Center is one of twelve centers of excellence in nutrition research funded by the US National Institutes of Health. Dr. Zeisel’s research focuses on dietary requirements for the nutrient choline, genetic variation as a source of individual differences in requirements for, and responses to nutrients, effects of choline and folate on stem cell proliferation and apoptosis and resulting effects on cancer and neurogenesis. His research team works with cells, mouse models, and human clinical studies. Dr. Zeisel is the author of more than 300 peer reviewed scientific papers. Dr. Zeisel is a leader in the development of an innovative nutrition curriculum used by more than 150 medical schools.