![Pankaj Arora MD](/medicine/obesity/images/Pankaj_Arora_MD.jpg)
Pankaj Arora, MD (Assistant Professor, Cardiovascular Disease) has received a pilot grant from the UAB Obesity Health Disparities Research Center to study the effects of a new medicine on cardiometabolic health in African-Americans. They will use metabolic carts to determine whether sacubritril/valsartan will improve the insulin resistance and energy expenditure for these patients.
![Laura Dreer](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Laura_Dreer.png)
Laura E. Dreer, PhD, (Associate Professor, Ophthalmology) will be Addressing the Obesity Health Disparity Among Adults with Vision Impairments. With a team of interdisciplinary experts, the project will identify the unique challenges related to weight management and modify evidence-based lifestyle programs adapted for people with vision impairments or blindness.
![Pamela G. Bowen](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Pamela_G._Bowen.png)
Pamela G. Bowen, PhD, (Assistant Professor, Nursing) is investigating TOSS Feasibility + Fitbit Community = Reduced Obesity in Older Black Women. This 12-week feasibility study will test an obesity-reduction intervention— Texting Older Sisters to Step (TOSS) PA– to determine its acceptability and impact among older, overweight or obese Black women.
Previous Pilot Awardees
![Andrew Smith](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Andrew_Smith.png)
Andrew Smith, MD, PhD (Associate Professor, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center), is investigating the Liver Surface Nodularity Score as a Non-Invasive Biomarker for Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
![Zechen Chong](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Zechen_Chong.png)
Zechen Chong, PhD, (Assistant Professor, Genetics), is researching The Genomic Landscape of Obese Cancer Patients in Minority Groups.
![Tiffany Carson](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Tiffany_Carson.png)
Tiffany Carson, PhD, (Assistant Professor in Preventive Medicine), is studying Modifying Diet and the Gut Microbiota to Reduce Obesity and Health Disparities.
![Ariel Salas](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Ariel_Salas.png)
Ariel Salas, MD, MSPH, Assistant Professor, Neonatology, is studying Serial Assessments of Body Fat Accrual in Very Preterm Infants.
![Pamela G. Bowen](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Pamela_G._Bowen.png)
Pamela G. Bowen, PhD, (Assistant Professor, Nursing) is investigating TOSS Feasibility + Fitbit Community = Reduced Obesity in Older Black Women. This 12-week feasibility study will test an obesity-reduction intervention— Texting Older Sisters to Step (TOSS) PA– to determine its acceptability and impact among older, overweight or obese Black women.
Previous Pilot Awardees
![Andrew Smith](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Andrew_Smith.png)
Andrew Smith, MD, PhD (Associate Professor, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center), is investigating the Liver Surface Nodularity Score as a Non-Invasive Biomarker for Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
![Zechen Chong](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Zechen_Chong.png)
Zechen Chong, PhD, (Assistant Professor, Genetics), is researching The Genomic Landscape of Obese Cancer Patients in Minority Groups.
![Tiffany Carson](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Tiffany_Carson.png)
Tiffany Carson, PhD, (Assistant Professor in Preventive Medicine), is studying Modifying Diet and the Gut Microbiota to Reduce Obesity and Health Disparities.
![Ariel Salas](/medicine/obesity/images/OHDRC_Pilot_Awardee_Pix/Ariel_Salas.png)
Ariel Salas, MD, MSPH, Assistant Professor, Neonatology, is studying Serial Assessments of Body Fat Accrual in Very Preterm Infants.