School of Medicine
Showing 41-48 of 48 Results
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Lucia Aronica
Casual Employee, Medicine - Med/Stanford Prevention Research Center
BioFor over seventeen years, my research has focused on the field of epigenetics, examining how environmental factors influence gene expression and health outcomes. Unlike fixed genetic sequences, epigenetic modifications exhibit remarkable flexibility, serving as cellular memory systems that respond to dietary patterns, stress levels, and environmental exposures. This dynamic characteristic creates significant potential for personalized medicine approaches, as epigenetic markers can indicate susceptibility to lifestyle-associated conditions including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
I currently lead the epigenetic analysis component of the DIETFITS study directed by Dr. Christopher Gardner, a landmark clinical trial comparing low-carbohydrate versus low-fat dietary interventions for weight management. My research aims to characterize how sustained weight loss modifies gene activity through epigenetic mechanisms, and whether these molecular signatures might inform individualized nutritional recommendations.
At Stanford, I teach courses in Nutritional Genomics and Epigenetics through Stanford Continuing Studies, Stanford Sports Medicine, and the Stanford Center for Professional Development. My educational approach integrates rigorous scientific evidence with clear explanations of complex biological concepts, making epigenetic science accessible to interdisciplinary audiences.
My scientific contributions include publications in peer-reviewed journals examining the relationship between nutrition, epigenetic modifications, and health outcomes. I also collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance precision health initiatives, serving as a scientific advisor to genomics researchers and technology innovators working at the intersection of epigenetics and personalized health.
My research is guided by the principle that understanding the molecular dialogue between our environment and our genes can transform how we approach health optimization and disease prevention through evidence-based lifestyle interventions. -
Yusuf Ashktorab
Contingent Employee, Medicine - Med/Nephrology
BioYusuf Ashktorab is a medical student (Class of 2028) at Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM). His journey in medicine is driven by a passion for using technology, to reduce health disparities and improve patient care.
He has contributed to projects at Stanford University, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focusing on topics such as predictive modeling for vaccine responses, the role of viruses in cancer development, and the use of Machine Learning and Large Language Models to diagnose Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu).
At HUCM, Yusuf serves as President of the Health Innovation and Technology (HIT) interest group and Vice President of Research and Technology for his class. In these roles, he is working to build a strong community centered on innovation and collaboration. -
Mukta Awasthi
Clinical Assistant Professor (Affiliated), Med/Hospital Medicine
Staff, Med/Hospital MedicineBioMukta Awasthi, MD completed her medical school training at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and Internal Medicine residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She is a board-certified academic hospitalist at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Clinical Assistant Professor (Affiliated) within the Stanford Division of Hospital Medicine. She has 25 years of experience in Hospital Medicine and Medical Education. She currently serves as the Medical Director of the Intermediate Intensive Care Unit at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. She also is the Director of the VA My Life My Story Program at the VA Palo Alto HCS. Her areas of interest include Medical Education, Quality Improvement and Narrative Medicine.
