April 9, 2010

Wendy Demark-Wahnefried. Download image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Ph.D., R.D., a professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Nutrition Sciences, has been appointed associate director for cancer prevention and control at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.

A renowned researcher on the nutrition concerns of cancer patients and the ways diet and exercise can benefit cancer survivors, Demark-Wahnefried is one of the top-funded investigators of body composition and metabolic changes in response to cancer treatment.

In her new role, Demark-Wahnefried has responsibility for linking all the cancer center's basic nutrition science and lifestyle-intervention programs to a translational and interdisciplinary approach. She also will provide direction for UAB's cancer control and population sciences program through the cancer center.

"We are thrilled to have a researcher of Dr. Demark-Wahnefried's caliber join us at the cancer center," said Edward Partridge, M.D., Cancer Center director. "Her background and expertise will be instrumental in expanding our research efforts in the growing field of cancer and nutrition."

Demark-Wahnefried came to UAB in early 2010 from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She serves on several National Institutes of Health standing and ad hoc committees and is a board member of the American Cancer Society and the World Cancer Fund.

About the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the 40 cancer centers in the nation to meet the stringent criteria for the NCI's comprehensive designation. The center is a leader in groundbreaking research, reducing cancer disparities and leading-edge patient care.