–
March 17, 2025
SCALACS is proud to present this FREE virtual seminar made possible with the support of LSAC DEIR Grant.
Longevity on Your Plate: The Role of Diet in Aging and Healthspan
Monday, 17 March, 2025
4:00 to 5:00 pm
via Zoom
Presented by:
Cristal Hill, PhD
Assistant Professor of Gerontology, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
THIS IS A FREE EVENT. BUT, PLEASE REGISTER TO GET YOUR EVENT LINK.
Join us for a virtual presentation by Dr. Cristal Hill of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, specializing in nutrition, metabolism, and the mechanisms of aging on Monday, 17 March, from 4 to 5 pm titled "Longevity on Your Plate: The Role of Diet in Aging and Healthspan."
Abstract:
Emerging research emphasizes the impact of caloric intake, macronutrient composition, and dietary patterns on aging and longevity. Caloric restriction and intermittent fasting have been associated with extended lifespan and delayed onset of age-related diseases by promoting cellular repair mechanisms and metabolic efficiency. Additionally, diets rich in plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins—such as the Mediterranean and Blue Zone diets—have been linked to improved longevity and reduced risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and shortened lifespan. This talk with review established mechanisms through which diet influences aging, including molecular pathways and metabolic regulation to extend lifespan. Understanding the relationship between nutrition and longevity can inform dietary recommendations and interventions aimed at promoting healthier aging and extended lifespan.
About the Speaker:
Cristal M. Hill, PhD grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, with ambitions in veterinary medicine, but a strong interest in endocrine diseases developed while working at a local veterinary clinic during high school.
She earned her PhD in Molecular Biology from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 2016, focusing on the biology of aging under the mentorship of Dr. Andrzej Bartke. Prior to that, she obtained both her BS and MS in Animal Sciences from Tuskegee University under the mentorship of Dr. Michelle Corley, with her master’s research centered inflammatory responses on cardiovascular disease during high-fat feeding in poultry models.
Currently, Dr. Hill’s research centers on the unique effects of dietary protein on adipose tissue function, investigating how protein restriction can influence optimal health and lifespan. Her work aims to uncover adaptive responses in adipose tissue and their broader implications for metabolic and endocrine health during aging. Before joining USC, Dr. Hill served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, where she was recognized as the 2022 Outstanding Postdoc of the Year. Her dedication to advancing aging research has also been acknowledged with the 2021 Dr. Norman Orentreich Award for a Young Investigator in Aging.
Most recent, Dr. Hill was honored with the Nathan Shock New Investigator Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Dr. Hill’s research focuses on how dietary interventions influence cellular signaling pathways affecting health and aging. Notably, her work has explored the role of the hormone FGF21 in mediating the benefits of low-protein diets on longevity and metabolic health.
Beyond her research, Dr. Hill is committed to ensuring academic excellence in the scientific community. She intentionally mentors and inspire young individuals to pursue careers in science, aiming to cultivate the next generation of innovators in aging research. At USC, Dr. Hill collaborates with multidisciplinary faculty members to explore the intersections of nutrition, genetics, and aging, contributing to the school’s mission of promoting healthy aging for diverse populations.