The Duke Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI) has awarded a combined $2 million to five research teams from Duke University School of Medicine to develop and test strategies aimed at reducing chronic disease risk through nutrition-focused approaches.
In addition to funding, the teams receive project management support from CTSI project leaders for the duration of the 24-month funding cycle.
The Swann Lee Awards for Prevention of Chronic Diseases Using Diet and Nutrition are supported by a generous gift to Duke University School of Medicine from the estate of Swann Lee, who specified that these funds be used “solely for nutritional and laboratory research focused solely on preventive care and health maintenance” — not for medical treatment or disease cures.
The projects funded exemplify translational innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a strong commitment to healthy lifestyles
“We are thrilled to support these researchers whose work represents the leading edge of nutrition science and chronic disease prevention,” said Susanna Naggie, MD, MHS, director of the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute. “These projects are not only innovative but deeply rooted in the values of health promotion and community engagement.”
Awarded Projects and Principal Investigators:
Dietary Effects and Modifiability of Ectopic Fat Depots and Metabolism in Heart Failure
Principal Investigator: Svati Shah, MD, Department of Medicine, Cardiology
Project Leader: Jenifer Allen, PhD
This project investigates how GLP-1 receptor agonists and dietary ketones impact systemic metabolism in patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). By integrating AI-assisted imaging and addressing barriers to care access, the study aims to refine therapies for a condition with significant clinical impact and limited treatment options.
Development and Pilot Testing WeCan-Rural
Principal Investigator: Caroline Dorfman, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Project Leader: Maria Iglesias De Ussel, PhD
Focusing on the cardiovascular disease risk faced by rural breast cancer survivors, this intervention combines weight management and symptom coping strategies delivered via telehealth. Grounded in community feedback and user-centered design, WeCan-Rural aims to improve lifestyle behaviors in medically underserved populations.
Community-Based Diet Intervention for Kidney Health in Black Americans
Principal Investigator: Crystal Tyson, MD, Department of Medicine, Nephrology
Project Leader: Vonda Rodriguez, PhD
This study builds on successful pilot work to deliver a culturally tailored DASH diet program in under-resourced Black communities. By partnering with local organizations and implementing point-of-care testing, the research addresses access to care in chronic kidney disease and aims to make nutrition counseling more accessible.
Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for Community-Level Dietary Assessment
Principal Investigator: Lawrence David, PhD, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Project Leader: Tarun Saxena, PhD
Introducing “FoodSeq,” this pioneering project uses genomic analysis of wastewater to assess community dietary patterns. The approach offers a cost-effective, scalable tool for public health surveillance and explores ethical, equitable implementation in collaboration with communities.
Molecular Impact of Dietary Protein on Long-Term Food Choices
Principal Investigator: Diego Bohorquez, PhD, Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology
Project Leader: Promila Pagadala, PhD
This neuroscience-driven project explores how protein influences food intake through gut-brain signaling, particularly focusing on the role of neuropod cells. The findings may lead to new obesity prevention strategies, especially in low-income populations where overconsumption of low-protein, high-calorie foods is prevalent.
“These projects were selected after a rigorous and competitive review process,” said Jennifer Li, MD, co-director of the CTSI Pilots Program. “Each application was carefully evaluated by both internal and external reviewers. The awarded proposals stood out for their scientific excellence, innovation, and potential to advance the prevention of chronic diseases through diet and nutrition.”