Dr. Thomas Brenna

Professor

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Biography

Tom Brenna is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, with a distinguished career spanning over 28 years as a faculty member at Cornell University. His research focuses on the chemical, biochemical, metabolic, and genetic ecological aspects of fatty acids, which play a crucial role in modern nutritional knowledge. His group's pioneering work on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) has significantly influenced human evolutionary adaptation and the understanding of biochemical synthetic pathways. In the 1990s, his research on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids contributed to the FDA's approval of DHA and arachidonic acid for use in infant formulas. He has also been involved in numerous policy initiatives, including serving on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and the FAO/WHO Expert Panel on Fats and Fatty Acids. Brenna has received prestigious awards such as the ASN's Osborne Mendel Award for outstanding contributions to basic research in nutrition in 2017 and the ASN's Robert Herman Award for advancements in clinical nutrition in 2013.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Texas at Austin

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:79
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

General requirements for the Graduate School at UT Austin apply to all programs unless otherwise specified.