Diabetes & Obesity Research Institute (DORI) 

About DORI

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Funding Novel Research

Our Story

Established in 2012, the Diabetes & Obesity Research Institute was started through a generous $3M gift from the estate of Mr. Clifton Stewart, whose interest in diabetes and cancer prevention built the USC Clifton-Stewart Diabetes Research Laboratory.

In addition, generous funds from the Robert C. & Veronica Atkins Foundation have placed the DORI well on its way to becoming a leader in the field of diabetes and obesity research, treatment, and prevention.

Keck Campus

DORI was developed alongside a team of experts in population research, clinical research, and health and early life research. Currently, DORI includes a research base of 91 investigators across 29 departments and divisions and $69.5M in NIH research funding per year, reflecting nearly four-fold growth since FY14. DORI investigators conduct research spanning human studies, clinical trials, community-based research, and laboratory-based science in obesity, nutrition, diabetes, and metabolic disease.

 $45 million details

The goal of DORI continues to focus on studying high-risk patients and communities to understand obesity and diabetes throughout the lifespan, with an emphasis on how biological, environmental, social, and lifestyle factors contribute to disease risk and progression during critical periods of development.

This mission is reflected in DORI’s interdisciplinary research programs, including basic science studies of adipose tissue and beta-cell biology, neuro-metabolic regulation of appetite and energy balance, nutrition science, health outcomes and implementation science, and emerging digital and precision health technologies.

Learn more about our Research

DORI at a Glance
DOIR At a GLance

What makes DORI unique?

Over the past decade, DORI has impacted many areas of scientific research, campus life, and healthcare policy. DORI has built a vibrant research environment centered on robust collaborations and shared Core facilities, helping to advance diabetes and obesity research and strengthen the Keck School of Medicine as a leader in academic medicine. This collaborative research environment has expanded across USC through the establishment of a unified vision and approach for obesity and diabetes research and education.

State & Local Level

The Institute is dedicated to assisting and strengthening efforts to develop effective strategies, including monitoring patients, informing policy, and creating interventions, to reduce the impact of diabetes and its associated medical complications on the health of individuals and communities.

Resources
Investigators and staff at DORI work to develop stronger ties with community health organizations and synergize efforts to strengthen clinical options for all people.

Leadership & Staff

Directors & Seminar Coordinators

Director

Kathleen Page, MD

Kathleen Page, MD

Co-Director

Scott Kanoski, PhD

Scott Kanoski, PhD

Co-Director

Tom Buchanan, MD

Tom Buchanan, MD
View full list of Core Faculty

Core Staff and Research Nurses

Ayala Senior Project Manager
Christina Ayala, MPH
Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (DORI)		 Reina Maniego Head Research Nurse
Reina Maniego, BSN, RN
Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (DORI)
Jacqueline Enamorado Research Nurse
Jacqueline Enamorado, BSN, RN
Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (DORI)		 Ryan Jiang Research Nurse
Ryan Jiang, BSN, RN
Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (DORI)
Breanna Vasquez Phlebotomist
Breanna Vasquez, CPT I
Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (DORI)		 Ella Morgan Communications
Ella Morgan, BS
Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (DORI)

How you can support us

Your donation supports scientists, funds cutting edge research, and the training and education of students and young researchers. Any donation amount can provide seed funding in order to obtain NIH funding, bridge NIH funding gaps, or recruit world-class faculty.

Learn more about donations