Kimberly O. O'Brien, PhD (she/her/hers)

Professor, Division of Nutritional Sciences
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York, United States

Kimberly O’Brien received her B.S. in Biology from the University of New Hampshire and her PhD in Nutrition from the University of Connecticut, Storrs. Her professional training included fellowships with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Laboratory of Theoretical and Physical Biology/Section for Metabolic Analysis and Mass Spectrometry and the Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine. She is currently a Professor of Human Nutrition at Cornell University. Dr. O’Brien’s research has centered on studies designed to better understand mineral metabolism and bone health in infants, children, and pregnant and lactating women in both developed and developing countries. Her research focuses on iron, calcium and vitamin D physiology across gestation with a focus on determinants of nutrient utilization and partitioning between the mother and fetus. Transfer of nutrients is also addressed at the cellular level by assessing placental mineral transporters in relation to maternal and neonatal status. Her current research is focused on identifying genetic differences in iron and vitamin D absorption, the impact of iron on the gut microbiome, and investigating vitamin D kinetics during pregnancy. Dr. O’Brien’s mass spectrometry laboratory includes instrumentation for high-sensitivity mineral stable isotope analysis to facilitate studies of mineral dynamics.

Presentation(s):

• Vitamins and Minerals GEM Forum: Iron and Vitamin D During Pregnancy: Can Vitamin D Supplementation Improve Maternal and Fetal Iron and Anemia Status?

  Sunday, June 1, 2025
  12:30 PM – 1:30 PM ET

  Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.