Current Roles
Dr. Kazaks is a core faculty member in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science.
Education
- BS in nutrition and dietetics from the University of California, Davis
- MA in nutrition education from the University of South Florida, Tampa
- PhD in nutritional biology from the University of California, Davis
Past Experience
Dr. Kazaks' work as a registered dietitian and researcher focuses on the role of nutrition in prevention and management of chronic disease, particularly the use of phytochemicals as therapeutic interventions aimed at improving endothelial dysfunction in people with metabolic syndrome.
Her research on asthma and magnesium supplementation highlights the importance of considering male and female differences and obesity status when assessing and treating diseases associated with inflammation.
Her teaching experience spans university, clinical and community settings.
Classes Taught
- Nutrition assessment and therapy
- Bioactive compounds in foods
- Obesity: survey of obesity research that focuses on the underlying genetic, biologic and environmental contributors
Interests
Dr. Kazaks is interested in the continuing study into the potential beneficial effects of fruit and vegetable consumption as an intervention for prevention and treatment of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diesease in adults and children.
She writes about nutrition and health including Obesity: A Reference Handbook, an overview of the science and sociology of weight management, published in 2009.
Philosophy
Dr. Kazaks believes that teaching and research provide the opportunity for rewarding discoveries. She hopes to encourage and support a fascination for inquiry and exploration.