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Cognitive Function & Brain Health

A Virginia Tech HNFE faculty member shows a small child a 3D printed model of a brain during a presentation.

The primary focus of this research domain revolves around investigating the intricate relationship between genes, behaviors, and environmental factors in influencing health, with a particular emphasis on cognitive function and brain health. Researchers delve into the cellular-level effects of exercise and nutrition on cognitive well-being, conducting studies in both human and preclinical models to unravel the complexities of brain health and its determinants.

Areas of Interest

  • Food choice
  • Interoception
  • Molecular genetic neurosciences
  • Nutritional neuroscience

Faculty

  • Bio Item
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    Julia Basso, PhD, CYT , bio

    Assistant Professor: The effects of mind-body-movement practices on brain function and physiology; at the intersection of art and science

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    A Virginia Tech HNFE faculty member stands outside for a photo.
    Alexandra DiFeliceantonio, PhD , bio

    Assistant Professor: Food choice and food reward; neuroscience and metabolism

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    A Virginia Tech HNFE faculty member takes a photo inside of their lab.
    Joshua C. Drake, PhD , bio

    Assistant Professor: How molecular mechanisms responsible for monitoring cellular energetics change with age and their relationship to the development of age-related disease

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    A Virginia Tech HNFE faculty member stands outside against a Hokie Stone building for a photo.
    Deborah J. Good, PhD , bio

    Associate Professor: Molecular regulation of body weight, exercise, fertility, and puberty; prader-willi syndrome; phylogenetic analysis; nutraceutical functional foods; Pedagogy research

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    A Virginia Tech HNFE faculty member stands inside for a photo.
    Sumita Mishra, PhD , bio

    Assistant Professor: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; Interorgan cross-talk, Cardiometabolic links; focuses on mitochondrial, cGMP-protein kinase G signaling

  • Bio Item
    A Virginia Tech HNFE faculty member leans against a lab bench for a photo.
    Sora Shin, PhD , bio

    Assistant Professor: How stressful situations induce maladaptive behaviors and brain circuit dysfunctions

  • Bio Item
    A Virginia Tech HNFE faculty member stands inside for a photo.
    Zhen Yan, PhD , bio

    Professor: Exploring the role of exercise in preventing cardiovascular, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer