Pennington Biomedical Researcher Dr. Jennifer Caldwell Awarded Pilot Funding from Forge AHEAD Research Center
April 24, 2024 · Baton Rouge, LA
Birmingham-based regional comprehensive research center for the Deep South will provide scholars with both strategic guidance and mentorship
Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s Dr. Jennifer Caldwell was named as one of
four early-stage investigators to be selected to receive pilot funding of $50,000
from the Forge AHEAD Center, a regional comprehensive research center located at the
University of Alabama Birmingham. With a primary focus on the Deep South, the Forge
AHEAD Center granted the pilot funding to these investigators for their innovative
research structured to improve the health outcomes for cardiometabolic diseases across
the region.
Dr. Caldwell, who is an assistant professor at Pennington Biomedical, was selected
for her upcoming project “Linking GAINS: Linking Genetics and Improving Nutrition
in Scotlandville.” The support from Forge AHEAD is a testament to the center’s dedication
to funding projects that can meaningfully contribute to fostering community-focused
health initiatives and combating health disparities.
“I am primarily interested in combining genetic ancestry analysis and community engaged
interventions, and my ‘Linking GAINS’ project is intended to do just that,” said Dr.
Jennifer Caldwell, who is the director of the Public Health Genomics and Health Equity
Laboratory. “The support from Forge AHEAD is truly an honor, as it demonstrates their
belief that my study will further support their mission. I look forward to working
with them as we discover more about the roots of health issues in our local communities.”
In addition to funding, the selected scholars will receive strategic guidance and
mentorship, intended to empower them to carry out research that will have a positive
impact in their respective areas.
Dr. Caldwell’s research study, “Linking GAINS,” is a community-engaged project focusing
educating African Americans on their genetic makeup and what it means for their health
outcomes. The project emerged from marketplaces for fresh produce and nutritious ingredients
sponsored by Southern University Agriculture Research and Extension Center. The marketplaces
targeted communities in North Baton Rouge, including Scotlandville, where the impact
of living in a food desert is commonly felt.
The project will provide nutritional food and cooking classes tailored to the limited
resources of a food desert. Additionally, the study will provide participants with
access to primary health care professionals, physical activity sessions, various screenings
and more. The project is also designed to provide participants with lifestyle changes
aligned to their individual genetic background and will provide genetic testing for
chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“From cells to society, Pennington Biomedical is proud to deliver research results
to our hometown community and around the world,” said Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director
of Pennington Biomedical. “I am proud that Dr. Caldwell’s research has been so favorably
received by the Forge AHEAD Center, as their support furthers Dr. Caldwell’s ability
to bring this research and service to a wider audience in Baton Rouge.”
For more information contact:
Joe Coussan, Media Relations Manager, joe.coussan@pbrc.edu, 225-763-3049 or Ernie Ballard, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing, ernie.ballard@pbrc.edu, 225-263-2677.
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. The Center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus of the LSU System. The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 530 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 13 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 state-of-the-art research facility on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge. For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
6400 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808