Nutrition and Metabolism PhD Program
Nutrition researchers are a critical part of our society as they examine the complex interplay between nutrients, health, and disease, spanning from the individual to populations. With careers as faculty or independent scientists in academia, industry, and government, graduates of the Nutrition and Metabolism (N&M) PhD Program are at the forefront of research. They are making important contributions linking diet to the maintenance of health and impact on disease prevalence, and educating the public on the critical role of diet in the maintenance of optimal health throughout the life cycle.
Research
52 faculty trainers across 17 departments provide extensive interdisciplinary training opportunities in molecular, human and animal nutrition research.
Program Requirements
Our flexible curriculum provides core nutrition and metabolism coursework, with ample opportunities for elective coursework and minors.
Student Life
Gain a world-class education in a world-class city. Madison is a vibrant and inclusive community, and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. for quality of life.
“Whether you’re driven by discovery, problem-solving, or the pursuit of knowledge, we look forward to helping you shape your research journey and make meaningful contributions to your field.“
-Dr. Rick Eisenstein, Director of Graduate Studies
News & Events
-
N&M PhD student Juyeong Cho awarded the 2025 Study Abroad Scholarship from the Mogam Science Scholarship Foundation in Korea
This foundation supports outstanding Korean students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in engineering and medical sciences abroad. Juyeong’s research focus on the effect of gut bacterial metabolites on intestinal health.
-
Funding opportunity for metabolism of aging researchers
A call for applications for Pilot and Idea Award Grants has been announced from the newly established Wisconsin Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging (WiNSC), supported by the NIH National Institute on Aging. This opportunity is open to junior faculty, senior postdocs, and research scientists. Applications are due November 30.…
-
N&M trainer Sherry Tanumihardjo’s vitamin A human absorption study expands to Zambia
A vitamin A human absorption study led by Sherry Tanumihardjo, professor of nutritional sciences, is expanding to a second site. The study, which is designed to assess a more heat-stable vitamin A formulation, launched in 2024 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and enrollment is now open at a second location in Zambia. The study is being conducted…
-
Kevin Shih presents research at the 2025 International Society for Precision Health conference
N&M grad student Kevin Shih of the Bolling lab was invited to present his research – choline bioavailability and metabolism from a new dairy ingredient (WPPC) in post-menopausal women – at the 2025 International Society for Precision Health conference in Taipei!
Recent Publications
Hermanson JB, Tolba SA, Gazi MA, Chrisler EA, Kaur M, Sidebottom AM, Liu Y, Martinez-Boggio G, Lucas LN, Amador-Noguez D, Rey FE, Leone VA. Gut microbes mediate the synergistic effects of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat in driving fibrosing MASH. Gut Microbes. 2026 Dec 31;18(1):2668121.
Wagner MR, Pintozzi NG, Schoff BM, Gold MI, Kasper RH, Steele NG, Blum B. Stromal and Neuronal Sources of Slit2/3 Ligands in the Adult Pancreas Exhibit Distinct Expression Patterns Independent of Robo2 Receptor Expression in the Islet. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2026 May 18:2026.05.15.725534.
Knopf BA, Grunow I, Anderson B, Rihawi T, Sonsalla MM, Calubag MF, Babygirija R, Liu Y, Xiao F, Yeh CY, Lamming DW. Female resistance to the metabolic benefits of protein restriction is reversed by ovariectomy in mice. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2026 Apr 3:2026.03.31.715667.
Williams J, Kim WS, Danner R, Cho J, Silva BF, Harris DA, Rey FE, Chaudhari SN. Atlas of one-carbon metabolism in conventional and germ-free mice reveals folate as a key determinant of biochemical pathways. Nat Metab. 2026 Apr;8(4):924-940.
Cho J, Danner R, Kim WS, Williams J, Singh A, Han JA, Van Vranken JG, Walker AS, Rhoads T, Chaudhari SN. Microbial metabolism of methotrexate produces a STAT3 signaling molecule that alleviates gut inflammation. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2026 Mar 12:2026.03.11.711168.
McGregor ER, Osterbauer KJ, Gustafson GE, Clark JP, Rhoads TW, Anderson RM. Adiponectin and aging: Mechanistic insights, clinical paradox, and therapeutic horizons. Ageing Res Rev. 2026 May;117:103059.
Armstrong MT, Antunes K, Willis NB, Meyer MB, Pierre JF, Ozturk G. Whey Protein Phospholipid Concentrate and Its Fractions as a Diet Intervention Enhance Bone Health and Alter the Gut Microbiome in Weanling Mice. FASEB J. 2025 Dec 15;39(23):e71260. doi: 10.1096/fj.202502683R. PMID: 41363910; PMCID: PMC12687760.
Trautman ME, Green CL, MacArthur MR, Chaiyakul K, Alam YH, Yeh CY, Babygirija R, James I, Gilpin M, Zelenovskiy E, Green M, Marshall RN, Raskin A, Sonsalla MM, Flores V, Simcox JA, Ong IM, Malecki KC, Jang C, Lamming DW. Dietary isoleucine content modulates the metabolic and molecular response to a Western diet in mice. Mol Metab. 2025 Nov;101:102248.
Hermanson JB, Tolba SA, Gazi MA, Chrisler EA, Kaur M, Sidebottom AM, Liu Y, Martinez-Boggio G, Lucas LN, Amador-Noguez D, Rey FE, Leone VA. Gut microbes mediate the synergistic effects of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat in driving fibrosing MASH. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Jul 21:2025.07.16.665145.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison rests in the ancestral land of the Ho-Chunk Nation, the People of the Big Voice, who have called this place Teejop (day-JOPE) for time immemorial. We as a university community continue to create and build upon our partnerships with the 12 First Nations of Wisconsin. As a state university we respect the inherent sovereignty and unique legal status, as affirmed and set forth in state and federal law, of the First Nations of Wisconsin.