Two distinguished academics concentrating on the convergence of nutrition and public health have joined Florida State University and will spearhead new research initiatives in this domain as the institution enhances its health research portfolio.
Regan Bailey, a selected member of the National Academy of Medicine, and Patrick Stover, a selected member of the National Academy of Sciences, have become professors at the FSU College of Medicine and will direct a new institute aimed at nutrition and health, which will report to the Office of the Vice President of Research.
“The quality of faculty we have attracted, including Dr. Bailey and Dr. Stover, highlights the esteemed reputation of this College of Medicine and the initiatives underway,” stated Dr. Alma Littles, dean of the college. “We are thrilled that they have opted to join our team and are eager to collaborate with them as they assist us in training the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals, significantly impacting the health of our communities through their research.”
Bailey takes on the role of professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine. She holds a doctorate in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s in public health from Johns Hopkins University, and a master’s in food and nutrition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is also a registered dietitian with practical clinical experience.
Bailey arrives at FSU after her tenure as associate director of the Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture at Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Research. She was also a professor of Nutrition in Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
A nutritional epidemiologist dedicated to enhancing health through nutrition over the lifespan, Bailey’s research has contributed to shaping public policy and identifying gaps in research. She currently holds multiple active grants and has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and policy documents.
“Becoming part of FSU is a significant honor for me as I get to work with talented scientists and clinicians to enhance health, educate students, and engage with the community, all strongly encouraged by university leadership,” remarked Bailey.
Stover joins the College of Medicine as a professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. He is a selected member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He comes to FSU following his role as founding director of the Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture (IHA) at Texas A&M University. Previously, he served as Distinguished Professor of Nutritional Sciences and Biochemistry and Biophysics.
“I am thrilled to be part of the faculty at Florida State University and the College of Medicine,” said Stover. “The university’s strategic vision, which emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and excellence in research around critical themes, is invigorating and positions FSU to take the lead nationally. I was especially attracted to the university’s commitment to Healthy Florida, which aims to deliver the finest research and education to enhance the lives of all Floridians.”
Stover’s latest research has secured over $30 million annually from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state of Texas as the founding director of IHA.
Renowned for his groundbreaking research on folate metabolism and its essential impact on human health, Stover’s studies have illuminated how folate, a B-vitamin, influences vital biological processes such as DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. His findings have illustrated how deficiencies in folate could result in grave health issues, such as neuropathies, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Stover has also significantly advanced the fields of epigenetics (understanding the impact of nutrition on gene expression) and cancer biology (examining the relationship between folate metabolism and cancer prevention and progression).
He possesses over 23 years of academic leadership experience, having served as vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture at Texas A&M AgriLife, director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, and director of the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University.
Stover obtained his doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biophysics from the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, and completed his postdoctoral work at the University of California, Berkeley, in nutrition. He began his academic career at Cornell University, where he held the position of professor and researcher.
The researchers join FSU as the university expands its health research and clinical capabilities under the FSU Health initiative. Presently, the university is constructing an academic health center on the campus of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and collaborating with TMH on various projects in the Panama City region. FSU has also established partnerships with Mayo Clinic in Florida, Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, Andrews Institute, and others to enhance health outcomes through research for the area.
The post Renowned health researchers, National Academy members join FSU College of Medicine appeared first on Florida State University News.