Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Corby Martin Awarded LPFA Endowed Chair in Nutrition

June 10, 2026 · Baton Rouge, LA

---

Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s Dr. Corby Martin has been named the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority (LPFA) Endowed Chair in Nutrition, a chair established through private donations matched by the Louisiana Board of Regents Support Fund. Dr. Martin was nominated by Pennington Biomedical leadership, with his appointment approved by the LPFA and Louisiana Board of Regents at its June meeting.

Dr. Martin is Associate Executive Director for Scientific Education and Director of the Ingestive Behavior Laboratory and the Human Phenotyping Core at Pennington Biomedical. As Associate Executive Director, Dr. Martin serves on the executive committee at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and as the Center’s Chief Academic Officer, representing Pennington Biomedical on LSU’s Chief Academic Officer Committee.

“This appointment reflects the commitment of Pennington Biomedical and the LPFA to improving the health of Louisiana communities through science-driven innovation and nutrition,” Dr. Martin said. “I look forward to continuing collaborative research that advances our understanding of nutrition, health behaviors and chronic disease prevention.”

Dr. Martin received his PhD from LSU in clinical psychology and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Eastern Washington University. He regularly conducts studies involving in-depth phenotyping of human participants and has extensive experience leading interventions designed to modify health behaviors and outcomes, including food intake, exercise and body weight. His research also includes the application of technology to assess and modify health behaviors through mobile health interventions.

“We are grateful to the LPFA and the Louisiana Board of Regents for their recognition and support of both this Endowed Chair and our ongoing research efforts at Pennington Biomedical,” said Dr. Jennifer Rood, Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. “Dr. Martin is an exceptional scientist and leader whose work continues to advance our understanding of nutrition, obesity and human behavior, and this honor reflects the impact of his contributions to our Center’s mission.”

LPFA was among the inaugural supporters of Pennington Biomedical, recognizing the potential of the research center even before it opened in 1988. Through a financing structure designed by the LPFA, the Authority generated nearly $4.1 million in operating funds that enabled the Center to hire personnel and purchase equipment needed to open. Additionally, the LPFA awarded $330,000 in grant funding to the research center’s founders to recruit top scientists and identify and obtain government grants and contracts.

Since that time, LPFA’s support of Pennington Biomedical has remained consistent through the development of endowed chairs and professorships, as well as LPFA bonds issued in 2001 for the construction of the Center’s basic science research building.

“Advancing education and health care in Louisiana are at the heart of LPFA's mission. Pennington Biomedical excels in both areas,” said LPFA President and CEO Tricia A. Dubroc. “Our partnership with this remarkable institution spans more than 35 years and is one of the reasons the LPFA Endowed Chair in Nutrition matters so much to us. Dr. Martin's research on food intake, weight management and mobile health interventions addresses some of Louisiana's most pressing public health challenges. We look forward to the impact his work will have on families across our state and beyond.”