Sara Hargrave

I am working toward my PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience at Purdue University, where I investigate how diets high in sugar and fat affect obesity, cognitive ability, and brain structure and function

Specifically, I am studying the effect of these diets on inflammatory cytokine expression, and the integrity of the brain's defense system, the blood-brain barrier. As the ketogenic diet has been reported to have therapeutic effects on dementia and other brain disorders, I am also investigating the effects of its consumption on these factors.

I am also quite interested in the development of, and neurological and behavioral consequences of eating disorders, and the effects of sex steroids on body weight regulation and other behaviors.

Non-academic interests include painting, art history, cooking overly elaborate dishes (and then not cooking for a long time!) and all kinds of travel. I am also a huge ice hockey fan (go Blackhawks!)