image: Dr. Jacob Mey, Assistant Professor - Research and Director, Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization (MENU) Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La.
Credit: PBRC
For more than four decades, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Media Spokesperson Program has amplified evidence-based nutrition and healthy eating messages to millions of Americans across media platforms. The Academy is proud to welcome six new registered dietitian nutritionists to the program of trained media experts who help translate nutrition science into clear, consumer-friendly information, including Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s Dr. Jacob Mey.
Dr. Mey directs the Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization (MENU) Laboratory, and his research uses clinical-translational approaches to understand how food choices (our “MENU”) affect health and disease through impacting cellular mitochondrial energetics and whole-body nutrient utilization. His recent interests target precision nutrition in asthma and other pulmonary diseases, where he is investigating the therapeutic potential of ketogenic diets and shifting fuel utilization toward ketones.
Dr. Mey also researches potential biomarkers in the breath related to malnutrition, pulmonary disease and metabolic health. He also conducts research in collegiate athletes to optimize health and sports performance through nutrition. Along with his direct research interests, Dr. Mey remains active in both clinical practice and dietetic professional practice groups to elevate patient care through nutrition and increase the role of the registered dietitian in disease prevention and treatment.
“Dr. Mey is an outstanding emerging researcher whose innovative work is advancing our understanding of precision nutrition and metabolic health,” said Dr. Jennifer Rood, Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. “His selection as an Academy Media Spokesperson reflects both his scientific expertise and his ability to communicate complex nutrition science in meaningful ways. He will represent Pennington Biomedical and the Academy exceptionally well.”
Academy Spokespeople have specific areas of expertise in addition to their ability to discuss general food and nutrition topics. Dr. Mey’s areas of expertise as an Academy Spokesperson include Precision Nutrition, Metabolism with a specific focus on Ketogenesis, Dietary Supplements, Longevity/Healthy Aging and Pulmonary Diseases.
“I am honored to represent the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a Media Spokesperson,” Dr. Mey said. “My work sits at the intersection of clinical research and patient care, driven by a passion for nutrition science. That shared passion is what unites me, the Academy and Pennington Biomedical. I’m committed to translating cutting-edge nutrition science into clear, practical recommendations people can use in their day-to-day food choices.”
Others joining the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Media Spokesperson Program include the following:
- Carlie Saint-Laurent Beaucejour, MS, RD, LDN (Baltimore, Md.) – Beaucejour is the founder of a virtual private practice where she empowers clients to feel confident in their food choices. She specializes in women’s health, mindful eating and chronic disease prevention.
- Elizabeth Klingbeil, PhD, RDN, LDN, FAND (Austin, Texas) – Klingbeil is an assistant professor at the University of Texas-Austin, where she educates pre-health professionals in nutritional science and scientific literacy. She specializes in the gut microbiome, pre- and probiotics and supplements, and obesity medicine.
- Amy R. Nichols, PhD, MS, RDN (Davis, Calif.) – Dr. Nichols is an assistant professor at the University of California, Davis, where she leads innovative, interdisciplinary research on women’s health. She specializes in maternal and child nutrition, women’s health and medical nutrition therapy.
- Aubrey Redd, MSN, RDN, LDN (Phoenixville, ) – Redd is the owner of Aubrey Redd Nutrition LLC, where she provides counseling and develops practical, evidence-based resources. She is also an adjunct professor at Immaculata University and Temple University. She specializes in women’s health, oncology and culinary nutrition.
- Gretchen Zimmermann, MBA, RDN, CDCES, CSOWM, DipACLM (New York, N.Y.) – Zimmermann is a registered dietitian and digital healthcare executive. She builds and leads high-impact clinical programs that improve outcomes while driving sustainable growth. She specializes in obesity care, bariatric nutrition and diabetes management.
To contact an Academy Spokesperson for media inquiries, email the Academy’s Media Relations Team at media@eatright.org.
About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center
The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Pennington Biomedical has the vision to lead the world in promoting nutrition and metabolic health and eliminating metabolic disease through scientific discoveries that create solutions from cells to society. The Center conducts basic, clinical and population research, and is a campus in the LSU System.
The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 600 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 16 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a globally recognized state-of-the-art research institution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.